A teenage boy pointed an imitation handgun at a teacher at a Southend school, it has been claimed.

The terrified teacher froze as the youngster pulled out the gun during lessons at Thorpe Bay School in Southchurch Boulevard, Southend. The boy has since been expelled.

One former teacher, who asked not to be named, said: "The teacher did not know it was an imitation. She was absolutely terrified. Teachers should not be putting up with this."

In a further worrying twist, it was claimed that an 11-year-old pupil was also found with an imitation gun inside his school bag yesterday (Monday).

A police spokesman said: "We received a report on Friday that a boy had brought in an imitation handgun which he pointed at the teacher. We are now liaising with the school, the pupil and his family. The boy will be interviewed by officers."

Acting headteacher Margaret Barr said: "We take all such incidents very seriously to make sure no-one feels in any way threatened. We wouldn't want anyone to come to any harm. The teacher was shocked by the incident."

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