Children locked indoors after Wolverhampton primary school gun scare
A gun scare at a Black Country primary school led to police being called and children locked indoors at lunchtime.
Officers responded to reports of three youths with an air rifle outside the ground of Bilston Church of England Primary.
It happened during Monday lunchtime and it is said the youths were targeting horses and rabbits at the rear of the school fields.
West Midlands Police today confirmed no shots and no children or animals were hurt. Bilston CofE said it does not own the animals, which are located on unused land on Ward Street owned by Persimmon Homes.
Police spokeswoman Deb Edmonds said: "We received a report of three youths with either a possible air rifle or BB gun at the rear of the school fields.
"The allegation was that rabbits and horses were being threatened. Police did attend but we haven't been able to locate the individuals.
"No children were threatened or harmed and no animals were harmed."
Headteacher Gary Gentle said the school informed all parents about the incident and everything was being done to protect pupils and staff - including keeping pupils indoors at lunch times for the rest of the week.
"It was reported to school Monday lunchtime that three youths with an air rifle were outside the perimeter fencing to the school," he said.
"This matter was reported immediately to the local police who responded by patrolling the local area. No shots were fired.
"Police will again patrol the area surrounding the school this week. For the remainder of the week, children will remain indoors at lunchtime as a matter of precaution.
"The school is taking the matter very seriously and obviously has the interests of safety for all our children and staff. This is the first time something has happened of this nature since I have been involved with the school and we are all hoping it is a one-off. We will inform parents of any updates."
Shocked parents and residents told the Express & Star they could not believe an incident such as this had happened.
Jenny Stewart, 26, whose son attends the school, said: "I am very shocked to hear about this as the school is very safe. The school has many procedures in place to protect its pupils so this is vary rare indeed.
Mike Rowsen, 70, who lives next door to the primary school, added: "It is quite concerning that this type of thing is happening at the school, hopefully it is a one-off."
Another resident of Albany Crescent, Mary Crowther said: "I am very surprised as this area is very quiet and we hardly hear of any trouble around here."
