Express & Star

Girls, 11, suspended for taking knives into Hamstead Junior School

Two 11-year-old girls have been suspended after they took large knives into their primary school.

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Hamstead Junior School

Leaders took action after the knives were discovered in the pupils' bags at Hamstead Junior School in Great Barr.

Headteacher Tim Bowen said nobody was threatened with the blades but the children had put everyone 'at risk' by bringing them into the school, in Hamstead Road.

The girls have been excluded and the police have been informed, the school said.

In a letter to parents, Mr Bowen said: "School has had to act quickly and decisively in order to tackle a very dangerous issue.

"Two pupils brought large knives in their school bags into school this morning. Although no child was threatened this action put all members of the school at considerable risk.

"In response school has acted in line with policy and procedure. Possession of knives was reported to the police who are now dealing with the act.

“That two pupils have been excluded until further local authority advice has been received.”

The school, rated good by Ofsted, is adjacent to Hamstead Infant School, off Tanhouse Avenue, and near to Sandwell Valley local nature reserve.

It has more than 230 pupils aged seven to 11.

It comes after the Express & Star highlighted a series of deadly weapons on sale in the Black Country including machetes and throwing knives.