Girl with knife is shut out of school
AWEST Lancashire girl has been excluded from school after producing a knife and approaching other students with it.
Lancashire police confirmed that they were called at around 10am last Tuesday, April 25, to reports that a pupil at Up Holland high school was in possession of a knife.
The 14-year-old was detained by staff members before taking part in a voluntary interview at a local police station.
A spokesperson for the school, which is in Sandbrook Road, said: “I can confirm that an incident did take place within school, which was quickly and safely dealt with.
“The student involved was subsequently excluded, pending an investigation.
“The safety and security of our students is paramount and we do not tolerate this kind of behaviour.”
The incident took place as Lancashire police officers launched a week of action aimed at reducing knife crime.
Operation Sceptre, which will run from May 1-7, is a national campaign targeting knife crime and those who carry knives.
Police say that while knife crime in Lancashire is no worse than many other parts of the country, they are keen to stress that any incident involving a knife could have tragic consequences and destroy lives.
Ch Insp Mark Baines, of Lancashire police, said: “Too many families have been affected by knife crime with even one person being stabbed being one too many.
“The consequences of carrying and using a knife can be devastating and potentially life-threatening.
“I would appeal directly to people that if you know someone who is carrying a knife, don’t keep silent. Report it.
“The law is simple – it is illegal to carry a knife, even if it belongs to someone else.
“Anyone who is found carrying a knife and is intending to use it as a weapon – even in self-defence can be arrested, go to court and receive a police record or even a prison sentence of up to four years and an unlimited fine.”
Knife bins were used at locations throughout Lancashire during surrenders in 2014 and 2016.
Hundreds of knives were handed in and taken off local streets.
While the bins are not being used during this week, police will consider the use of a surrender again in the future and would encourage people to think about why they own a knife and the repercussions of carrying or using it.
Officers will also continue to carry out test purchase operations to ensure that retailers are not selling knives to people under the age of 18.
Ch Insp Baines added: “Lancashire Constabulary has a zero tolerance policy toward possession of knives in public and we take reports of knife crime very seriously.
“We will act on all intelligence received in a bid to prevent people losing loved ones and to detain those who intend to commit acts of violence using knives.’’
He said: “If you have information about the possession of knives or offensive weapons or criminal activity relating to this type of crime, call 101 or make a report online via the Lancashire Constabulary website.”
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Knives are potentially lethal weapons and I fully support Lancashire Constabulary’s bid to get them off our streets.
“No-one should live in fear of knives being used in their community.”
Young people are encouraged to log onto the Trust Ed website – www.trusted2know.co.uk – to find out more about knife crime and the dangers of carrying a knife.
They can also contact Lancashire Victim Services or the young people’s support service Nest. Details can be found on the constabulary website.