Four people have been injured after a former pupil allegedly attacked a 14-year-old within Johnstone High School.

Three of those injured were three female members of staff, aged 59, 48, 34 who were hurt while dealing with the incident at around 10.45am this morning.

The three women attended the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley for treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.

Reports spreading on social media today reported that a pupil had a weapon and has been dismissed by Police Scotland and Renfrewshire Council.

The school functioned normally an hour after the incident, and pupils left classes for their regular lunch break on time.

A 16-year-old female has been traced and charged by officers and a report has been submitted to the Children’s Reporter.

However, Renfrewshire News in the last hour has spoken to several people, including pupils, before we published this article that contradicts what Police Scotland and Renfrewshire Council have put out in their statements about a weapon being involved.

Steven Quinn, Director of Children’s Services for Renfrewshire Council sent a message to parents and carers of pupils of the school to make clear that there was no danger to pupils.

He said: “I would like to make clear—contrary to what you may have heard on social media or elsewhere—no weapons were involved in the incident.

“Police Scotland were immediately called and attended the school and the individual involved has been traced. A police investigation is ongoing.

“The school is operating as normal. All pupils have been out for lunch, and are now back in class and carrying on with their normal school day.

“As you’ll appreciate, this is an ongoing police matter so I cannot say any more at this stage.”

He added: “I would like to reassure you that I and senior staff are on hand to offer any support needed to staff and pupils.”

A Police Scotland Spokesperson said: “Around 10.45am on Friday, 12th May 2023, police received a report of a disturbance at a school in the Johnstone area of Renfrewshire.

“Officers attended and four females aged 59, 48, 34 and 14 years were found to have sustained injuries as a result of the incident. The three women aged 59, 48 and 34 years were taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

“A 16-year-old girl has been charged in connection with the incident and will be reported to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “There was an incident at Johnstone High School today (Friday 12 May) involving a former pupil.

“A pupil and three teachers were injured and received appropriate medical treatment. Police Scotland attended immediately and the individual involved has been traced, with enquiries ongoing.

“The school continued to operate as normal and senior staff are providing any support needed to staff and pupils impacted by this incident.”

Headline Photo: Johnstone High School 

By Ricky Kelly

Main writer for Renfrewshire News

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