Man held on knife charge

Incident: Police called out after reports of man with weapon near school

A man has been charged with allegedly being in possession of a weapon close to a village school yesterday.

Police were called following reports of a man being spotted with a knife near Balmedie Primary School at about 7.30am.

A police spokeswoman said a 24-year-old man had been charged.

A spokesman for the school said no children had been put in danger and said there had been no disruptions to classes.

He said: “Several parents have contacted the school to make us aware that there was a man with a knife in the village this morning.

“At no point were the children in any danger within the school grounds and our school day is continuing as normal.”

Police confirmed that a 24-year-old man had been charged with being in possession of a weapon in a public place and vandalism offences.

The spokeswoman added: “We were made aware of concerns from members of the community at around 7.30am of a man seen acting in suspicious manner.

“An individual was traced a short time later, subsequently charged and was taken into custody by 9am.”

Local officers said no one had been put at risk.

Police sergeant Steven McDonald said: “I would like to reassure the public that despite the nature of reports received, at no point was there any direct threat to any member of the public.

“I would like to thank those who provided information to us this morning which allowed us to take quick action.

“If anyone else has information which could assist with this particular inquiry I would encourage you to get in touch.”

REPORTS: A spokesman for Balmedie Primary School said parents had called the school in the morning