A mother has shared her anger over her seven-year-old son allegedly being approached in the playground of an Ayr school by another pupil holding a knife.
The mum, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was ‘appalled’ to learn of the incident, where it is claimed a P6 pupil pinched a butter knife from the dining hall and “held the knife up” in front of her son, a P4 pupil.
It's claimed the incident occurred last Wednesday at a school in Ayr, which cannot be identified for legal reasons.
The mum, who has reported matters to the police, told Ayrshire Live: “I am appalled that this could occur in school where our kids are supposed to be safe.
“A teacher came over to me in the playground when I was waiting to pick up my son at home time and told me that he ‘had got a wee scare’.
“I feel the school are trying to downplay the seriousness of it.
“I am absolutely appalled that the school did not phone me to inform me as soon as the incident happened. To inform me in the playground while waiting to collect my son is completely inappropriate and unacceptable."
The alleged victim said he had been walking in the playground when he claims the older boy walked past him before stopping in front him whilst holding the knife up.
He then said he stood still as he was worried the boy with the knife “would stab him”.
“My son was very upset when he came out of school and was crying for around an hour afterwards,” said the mum.
“He has asked on and off about the boy having a knife and if he will come after him.
“It has obviously had an impact on him.
“I went into the school to voice my concern and was told the pupil had stolen the knife from the dining hall.
“How did he manage to sneak a knife out?
“It is so worrying that a kid of 10 would even contemplate stealing a knife never mind taking it out into the playground.
“I am so angry that my son's safety has been compromised — in a place where he should be safe — by someone who has chosen to steal a knife for whatever intent and purpose.”
A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are aware that an incident took place in one of our schools on Wednesday, November 3.
“The safety of everyone attending our schools is always a priority and the incident was dealt with appropriately in line with our policies and procedures.
“We take incidents involving knives very seriously, however, we also need to maintain a balanced approach and treat children as children.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers have been made aware of an incident which occurred on Wednesday, November 3 where a pupil was reported to be in possession of a knife at a primary school in Ayr.
"No injury was caused. Officers are working closely in partnership with the school and the local authority to provide suitable support to all involved."
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