Bristol school gates knife boy sparks 'deep concern'

Video of a boy brandishing a large knife outside a school has been described as "deeply" concerning.

The footage of the child outside Downend School near Bristol was shared by parents with the BBC.

South Gloucestershire Council said the school "acted quickly" to ensure student safety during the incident which happened recently.

Police said they had visited the school and stressed that "it's never acceptable to carry a knife".

Jon Hunt, South Gloucestershire Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said the council was supporting the school.

"I'm deeply concerned to hear of this incident," he said.

"South Gloucestershire Council officers have contacted the school to offer support.

"I would suggest it is now a police matter, therefore feel it is not appropriate to comment any further at this stage," he added.

Downend School is currently rated as good by Ofsted and is part of the Castle School Education Trust (CSET) which has recently featured on the BBC TV programme School.

CSET runs other schools in Thornbury and Alveston which featured on the programme, but Downend did not.

There are currently more than 1,100 students there.

The school has not responded to requests for comment from the BBC.

Possession of knives on school premises in Avon and Somerset

2015: 2

2016: 44

2017: 39

2018: 17 (first quarter)

Source: Avon and Somerset Police

Avon and Somerset Police said: "Police were made aware of this incident when a concerned member of the public contacted got in touch by e-mail on Saturday 1 December to report the online footage.

"Neighbourhood PC Chris Fewell visited the school yesterday, Monday 3 December.

"Officers believe they have identified the individual involved and once their enquiries are complete will be taking positive action."