A 14-year-old boy has been arrested following a knife scare that locked down Peterhead Academy.
Video footage shows the youth, who has his hood up, wandering through a classroom followed by staff.
Other teachers could be seen ushering pupils away from him, telling them “that way please, now”.
The teen had been at the school for a “pre-arranged meeting” with a parent when he later became “disruptive”.
When management staff realised he was armed with a knife, they contacted police and got a message to other teachers to secure their classrooms.
They then followed the boy around the building, and managed to get the knife before officers arrived.
Nobody was injured in the incident, which unfolded at about 2.20pm. Police have confirmed a 14-year-old boy has been arrested.
Staff ‘shadowed’ intruder
In a message to parents and carers sent at 2.50pm, head teacher Gerry McCluskey wrote: “Less than 30 minutes ago a member of the public forced access to Peterhead Academy.
“Senior staff called police and shadowed the intruder around the building, moving classes where necessary to safeguard young people.
“This young person was carrying an offensive weapon which senior staff were able to relieve him of.
“Police then arrived and arrested the intruder.
“No young person or staff were injured. If any young person is shaken up or concerned please ask them to contact their guidance teacher.”
Parents of pupils inside the school praised staff for managing the situation in a calm manner.
Safety and wellbeing of pupils ‘top priority’
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council the incident happened after a visitor attended Peterhead Academy with a parent for a pre-arranged meeting. He later became disruptive.
The spokesman added: “The safety and wellbeing of pupils is our top priority and when we became aware the visitor was in possession of an offensive weapon, police were called.
“This incident was dealt with swiftly by our staff and Police Scotland and pupils remained in their classrooms throughout.
“We are offering support to any of our pupils that require it.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland received a report of a teenager with a knife at a school in Peterhead, around 2.20pm on Tuesday January 31.
“Officers attended and a 14-year-old has been arrested in connection, no persons were injured and inquiries are ongoing.’
Shocking incident
Banff and Buchan David Duguid MP said he has already contacted the local area commander to arrange a meeting to discuss school safety.
Knife crime in schools was made a top priority following the tragic death of Bailey Gwynne, who was stabbed to death at Cults Academy in October 2015.
Mr Duguid: “This is a shocking incident which will have clearly alarmed pupils, staff and parents at Peterhead Academy.
“The thought of our young people being endangered by an armed member of the public, within an environment in which they should be safe, is completely unacceptable and raises extreme concerns.
“I commend the staff at the school for their bravery in relieving the intruder of his weapon and ensuring the pupils were kept safe but the staff shouldn’t be exposed to this danger either.”
Banff and Buchan MSP Karen Adam said: “I am incredibly concerned about the situation and will offer support to the school and anyone else impacted by it in any way I can.
“I am glad that police were able to arrest the individual in question before anyone was physically hurt.”
Conversation