A teenage boy has been arrested after he called police and told them he had a shotgun at a school in Nuneaton.
The boy, who is under 18, was detained on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm following the incident at Higham Lane school, Warwickshire police said.
Police officers received a report from the suspect at 9.15am and he has been “cooperative throughout”, the police said.
Parents have received a text message from the school in an attempt to reassure them.
The statement does not make reference to firearms or arrests but says: “Although there was an incident, this message is to reassure you that all students and staff are safe and the matter has been dealt with. The police have confirmed that they are happy for the school to remain open. The school will not be putting out any further information at this point.”
But some parents have expressed frustration with the lack of information. After receiving the message, Steve Lettice, who has a 13-year-old daughter at Higham Lane, called the school but they would not provide further information.
He said: “In the light of both Manchester and London it is a worry for any parent. I understand from other people that it was a young boy that had a shotgun and ammunition.
“That being said the police did an amazing job and have sorted the situation. It’s just a shame that as parents we are given cryptic information as to the severity of the situation. My biggest concern is what if he just started shooting.”
It is understood that pupils were escorted from parts of the site as the police found the boy.
The police force would not explain why the suspect had made the initial report himself.
Superintendent David Gardner, of Warwickshire police, said: “We responded promptly and the boy was quickly isolated and the incident contained to ensure there was no risk to pupils and staff.
“We have seized a shotgun and ammunition. The initial report was received from the suspect himself and he was cooperative with police throughout. Officers were on the scene quickly and he was placed under arrest.
“I would like to thank staff and pupils at the school for their assistance while we managed this incident. Officers will be at the school for the rest of the day to provide reassurance.
“We will now carry out inquiries to establish exactly what happened and address any issues around the firearm.”
