Gang terrorises school in Westbury (From Wiltshire Times)

Gang terrorises school in Westbury

12:30pm Saturday 19th May 2012 in Westbury

A gang of teenage boys on bikes, wearing balaclavas or tights over their heads, fired a BB replica gun at a 14-year-old girl outside Matravers School in Westbury.

The girl, who is from Westbury, was heading home after school last Wednesday when the boys arrived and began cycling around the school gates at about 3.30pm.

One of the group, none of whom attend the Westbury school, fired the replica gun, hitting the girl in the hip and causing a bruise. The gang fled the scene before police arrived.

Matravers acting headteacher Richard Haupt said: “There was an incident on the Matravers site on Wednesday, May 9, where four young people were causing alarm and distress to staff and students. Parents and pupils were informed.

“As there is an ongoing police investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage; we are helping them with their enquiries.”

A 16-year-old Westbury boy was arrested following the incident and taken to Melksham Police Station for questioning. He was released on bail until June 8, pending further enquiries.

Police will now interview two other boys, both aged 15, who are thought to have been his accomplices.

Warminster police inspector Lindsey Winter said: “Those persons directly involved with this incident were undoubtedly in fear, this imitation, or BB, gun is reported to have looked similar to a real gun.

“Individuals who are out with this sort of BB gun in public should also be aware of the danger they place themselves in.

“Police called to an incident involving guns of any sort will treat them as real guns. Armed response officers are very much aware of the heightened concerns regarding the Olympics and potential terrorism incidents.”

Witnesses to the incident can contact police on 101 ext 726815 with information.