REPORTS of knife crime involving pupils in Thornbury are being investigated by police.

The first of the two alleged incidents, which both are said to involve pupils in Castle School uniforms, took place on September 12, and involved two girls threaten to pull a knife out on an elderly woman and her granddaughter.

Although no weapon was actually produced in this instance, the encounter was reported to police.

The second alleged incident, on September 29, which also took place on the Mundy playing fields, when a male pupil in a Castle School uniform was said to have threatened another with a craft knife.

No one was injured in either alleged incident, which are both being investigated by police.

Thornbury beat manager PC Sean White reassured residents that they were “isolated incidents”.

He said: “We do not condone any form of knife crime in Thornbury and will be taking positive action against offenders.

“It is a concern that such serious alleged offences have taken place twice in such a short space of time, but we believe they are a couple of isolated incidents and would like to reassure residents that it will not be an ongoing problem.”

PC White added: “At this time we are working with the Castle School and Thornbury Town Council to prevent incidents like these happening again in the future.”

Head teacher Peter Smart said Castle School was co-operating with police in the investigation into the two incidents.

“The school is aware of incidents that took place out of school last week and will be supporting the police with their ongoing enquiries.”

The sentiment was echoed in the response to the incidents from Thornbury Town Council, with a spokeswoman saying staff would support police in their investigations.

Town council staff would continue to work with officers in ensuring that the Mundy playing fields remain a safe and enjoyable environment for the community, the spokeswoman added.

As part of their community engagement to counter the problem of bullying, police officers have already joined students on the bus to school, talking about the issue and the severe negative effects it can have on the victims.

Thornbury police have also said they will be going to schools in the area over the next week to deliver talks on knife crime and the consequences.