School pupils should be searched for weapons

That's the view of Margaret Morrissey, Dorset-based spokeswoman for the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations, following the death of another teenager at the weekend in a stabbing incident.

Ms Morrissey told the Daily Echo how she had first-hand experience of knife culture - her own son was stabbed in the neck and scarred for life in an unprovoked attack.

"It was in 1990 and some youths had travelled down from London on the train. They later admitted that there was no provocation and they had only come down to beat up local children," she said.

"My son, who is now in his 30s, has a long scar on his neck and is still nervous when he sees groups of youths on a train. Knife attacks damage you for life.

"The government must pay for these metal detector machines and professional security staff directly and not expect schools to sort it out.

"We have done nothing for too long, just moving chairs about on the Titanic, and that is why the problem is growing. We have to act now."

But Dr Terry Fish, head teacher at Twynham School in Christchurch, described Ms Morrissey's views as "extreme".

"Maybe in some parts of the country metal detector machines and security staff at school gates could work but, here in Christchurch, it would be very much against our culture," he said. "I've been here for seven years and I can't remember having to deal with a knife incident. There is not a gang culture here and if a child did bring a knife into our school, for whatever reason, other students would immediately come to staff and let us know.

"I think we need to be careful because having metal detectors and security staff could create fear when fear is not present in the first place.

"However, in some areas where there are problems with knives in schools, it might work to create a clear barrier at the gates. The government should listen to head teachers."