Boy held over fake gun at school

Four pupils from the school were expelled for taking cocaine last year

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly carrying an imitation gun at his school in West Sussex.

Police were called to Holy Trinity Church of England Secondary School, in Buckswood Drive, Crawley, on Tuesday.

The boy, who is from the Crawley area, was detained and later released on police bail until next week.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "We arrested a boy on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm in a public place."

It is believed the boy was spotted on the school's CCTV putting the gun into his locker after showing it to his friends.

'Strict policy'

Staff alerted police, who then searched his locker.

Peter Wickert, head teacher of the school which has about 1,300 pupils aged between 11 and 18, said the school had been told that a replica weapon was seized by officers.

"There was nothing particularly dangerous about it," he said.

In an open letter posted to parents on the school's website, Mr Wickert explained that it has a "very strict prohibited items policy".

Cocaine expulsions

"Any pupils who breach this policy will face very serious sanctions which include permanent exclusion," he said.

"May I point out that our priority here is the health and safety of all pupils and staff, and we will continue to ensure that this remains the case."

Councillor Henry Smith, leader of West Sussex County Council, said the school had reacted very quickly and professionally.

Last year, four pupils from the same school were expelled for taking cocaine before lessons.