Youth released without charge after firearm incident at West Berkshire school

Thames Valley Police received a call at around 12.30pm on Friday reporting that a youth had been seen in a vehicle in the car park of Little Heath School in Tilehurst holding what was believed to be a firearm.
It was reported that the youth was a pupil at the school and was pointing the firearm at people in the car park.
A large number of police resources were called to the area, following which the school and surrounding areas were ‘locked down’, according to Thames Valley Police.
The vehicle was located by officers, who found what is believed to be an imitation firearm in the glove-box.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the scene but has now been released without charge.
Headteacher at Little Heath, David Ramsden said: “There was a threat reported to us that had to be treated seriously. A man had been seen in a vehicle in the school car park holding what was believed to be a firearm.
“Thames Valley Police Officers responded quickly and were on the scene within minutes. Their investigation soon established that the threat posed no danger to the children or staff.
“Police located the vehicle and found what is believed to be an imitation firearm in the glove-box.
“I can confirm that the school’s critical incident procedure was correctly followed and all of the children were safe during this time.
“I will be speaking carefully to the students in assemblies to reassure them about what happened.”
Thames Valley Police said no-one was injured during the incident.
Meanwhile police officers have made visits to other schools in the area to provide reassurance to parents, staff and pupils.
Public relations manager for West Berkshire Council, Keith Ulyatt added: "It is reassuring that the planned procedures for such incidents were activated quickly and correctly, and that no-one was threatened or injured in the incident.”