POLICE and school staff were forced to take action after a 15-year-old pupil was found carrying a knife during lunchtime.

The St Columba's High schoolboy was caught in possession of the weapon in Tower Drive, Gourock.

Head teacher Nicola Devine sent a letter to parents to reassure them that no-one had been injured and say that the authorities 'acted swiftly' to bring the incident to an end.

But she warned of the dangers of carrying weapons and urged parents to take heed of the message.

In the letter Mrs Devine said: "A pupil was found in possession of a weapon during lunchtime in the local community and the matter is now being investigated by Police Scotland.

"Thankfully, due to the swift action of school staff and police officers, no-one was injured in any way and our school community returned to an orderly and safe environment."

She went on to say that it was an 'isolated incident with no evidence to suggest otherwise'.

The St Columba's High head added: "Possessing a weapon carries the risk of something serious happening at anytime, whether that be within outwith school hours."

Mrs Devine went on to urge parents to work with the school to get the message across to ensure the safety of all members of the school and community.

Police Scotland confirmed that a 15-year-old boy had been arrested and reported to the Children's Reporter and the procurator fiscal as a result of the incident at 1pm on Wednesday.

They confirmed that no-one else was involved.

Inverclyde Council's education bosses also moved to reassure parents and local residents.

A council spokesman said: “Incidents like this are rare, but swift action from the school and our colleagues in Police Scotland meant this was dealt with quickly and effectively to remove any risk.

"It is important to emphasise that possessing a weapon in any circumstances always carries the risk of something serious happening.

"Our wider school community is very supportive and the school has written to parents to alert them to this incident to highlight that it was dealt with calmly and proportionately and to encourage parents and carers to continue to reinforce to our young people that carrying a weapon is never acceptable.”