Student caught with replica pellet gun in Willenhall school grounds is disciplined

Staff at St Thomas More Catholic School in Willenhall confiscated it from the male student and say the gun had the firing pins removed and was not loaded.

The school in Darlaston Lane said that 'disciplinary action' has been agreed in the wake of the incident last week.

West Midlands Police were contacted but confirmed the matter has been left in the hands of the school.

Parents said they were concerned over what had happened.

A statement from the school said: "St Thomas More Catholic School can confirm that a replica pellet gun was confiscated from a pupil last week.

"A member of staff, who is ex-armed forces, inspected the item and confirmed the firing pins had been removed, there were no pellets and it was harmless.

"The parents of the child who had brought the item onto school grounds and also the child playing with the gun were asked to discuss the matter with our senior leadership team, informed of the seriousness of the incident and a disciplinary action has been agreed.

"They fully understood such an incident should never be repeated.

The police have determined that the incident remains a matter for school and parental discipline.

St. Thomas More is grateful to the police for their diligence and advice." Walsall Council was also alerted and made aware of the matter and the action taken by the school.

Council leader Mike Bird said officials 'fully support this position'.

But Willenhall South councillor Diane Coughlan said: "It is dreadful to think young people are taking pellet guns to school or even got access to one.

"It is lucky one of the staff is ex-military who could inspect it immediately."

West Midlands Police confirmed the matter had been left in the hands of the school to investigate.

Force spokeswoman Deb Edmonds said: "It was reported to us on Wednesday evening.

"The school are investigating the matter. We are happy that the school is dealing with it."