School lockdown after knife alert

Excluded pupil previously removed while wielding a blade

Monifieth High School was put on lockdown yesterday when an excluded pupil, who was previously removed from the premises while wielding a knife, was spotted walking around campus.

Police rushed to the school during morning classes after the teenager was seen in the playground for a second time since being told to stay away.

It is understood the boy was found to be carrying a knife when confronted by officers in a previous incident at the school.

Officers escorted the youngster off the premises but parents expressed concern yesterday at being kept in the dark over the issue.

One father said: “As far as I know, the school hasn’t shared any information about these incidents and I think all parents will be looking for assurances that security measures are being urgently reviewed.”

Local councillor Craig Fotheringham described the situation as “totally unacceptable”.

An Angus Council spokeswoman declined to comment, stating it is “a matter for police”.

An Angus school was put on lockdown yesterday after an excluded pupil who was previously removed from the premises while wielding a knife was spotted walking around campus.

Police were called to Monifieth High School during morning classes after the teenager was seen in the playground for a second time since being told to stay away.

It is understood the boy was caught carrying a weapon by officers during the first incident and on his return, staff reportedly told some pupils the school had been “locked down” and they should stay inside.

Officers escorted the youngster off the premises but parents expressed concern last night at being kept in the dark over the incident.

One father, whose child is in fifth year at the school, said: “It’s really worrying that this appears to have happened twice now.

“I know there are security systems in place around the reception area but the playing fields back on to woods so I suppose it’s impossible to stop someone getting on to the school grounds if they want to.

“It’s really worrying that this appears to have happened twice now. CONCERNED DAD

“But no one should be able to get into the building itself.”

He added: “As far as I know, the school hasn’t shared any information about these incidents and I think all parents will be looking for assurances that security measures are being urgently reviewed.”

Councillor Craig Fotheringham, whose Monifieth and Sidlaw ward covers an area where many of the school’s pupils live, called on education bosses to provide answers for parents.

He said: “I was not previously aware of this incident but I’m delighted no one was hurt.

“For me, it brings into question why this former pupil was able to enter the school with a knife at all.

“The fact anyone was able to walk into the school with a weapon would suggest to me that security was very lax and I think that needs to be looked at here.

“It’s totally unacceptable and I’m sure parents will be keen to find out what is being done to address the situation since the previous incident.”

Mr Fotheringham, who is chairman of the Monifieth Further Education Association, said the incident would also raise concerns about safety for children attending evening classes at the school, some of whom are as young as five years old.

A spokesman for Police Scotland confirmed officers “were called to the report of an excluded boy being present at Monifieth High School on November 14”.

He added: “The boy was removed from the school.”

An Angus Council spokeswoman declined to comment, stating it is “a matter for police”.

Picture: Kim Cessford. Police were called to Monifieth High School during morning classes.