By Craig Borland 

 

TWO schoolboys have been charged after a teacher was allegedly shot with a BB gun in an incident at Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh this week.

The incident happened within the school building on Monday – though police weren't informed of what had happened until the following day.

The Advertiser understands that the alleged incident happened in a corridor within the school during Monday morning's interval between classes.

On Wednesday, Inspector Coleen Wylie from Helensburgh police office confirmed they were made aware of an incident involving a BB gun allegedly being discharged at a teacher within a school in Helensburgh on Monday, April 24, 2017.

She added: “The teacher was not seriously injured and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Today at noon, Insp Wylie confirmed following further enquiries, two male pupils, aged 13 and 15, have been charged with alleged culpable and reckless conduct.

She added that “referrals were being made to the relevant partner agencies”.

Following Monday’s incident an Argyll and Bute Council spokeswoman said: “An Argyll and Bute Council spokeswoman added that the wellbeing of pupils and staff at the school was paramount, saying: "We take any action required to ensure this.

“We have thoroughly investigated this and the school has taken the appropriate disciplinary action against those involved.

“We have hard working staff and pupils who are together achieving often award winning success. Their wellbeing is paramount and we take any action required to ensure this.”

Reacting to the incident, Stella Kinloch, the chair of Hermitage Academy’s parent council, said they had been made aware of “an isolated incident” at Hermitage Academy.

She added: “The school have reassured the parent council that the matter is being fully investigated by the school, who are taking the appropriate action, and Police Scotland has been informed.

“The parent council fully supports the school in engaging any additional measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and pupils attending Hermitage Academy.”