A nine-year-old boy brought a knife to his primary school before telling another little boy to stab a fellow student, it has been claimed.

The schoolboy is believed to have brought the weapon, a penknife, to Malden Manor Primary and Nursery School on Monday following a playground spat.

Metropolitan Police were called to the school at about 4pm.

A Kingston police spokesman said: “Local officers worked with school staff to provide advice and support. Any further action will be taken by the school.”

The boy remains at the school in Sheephouse Way after being excluded for a day following the incident.

But the relative of one Malden Manor pupil, who did not want to be named, said: “Seems like a child got a little too excited after an argument. It was definitely not a butter knife.

“It calls into question the school’s response, which was to allow the child who brought in the knife to continue to stay in class that day.

“Parents were very concerned.

“The lack of communication has left parents worried and only hearing second hand information from the pupils, it is important that the school be as honest and open as possible.

“Parents have questions that need answering.”

He added he pondered over whether it was safe to send his young relative to school the following day.

Merryl Roberson, headteacher at Malden Manor, said: “Following the incident, which was dealt with promptly, the school is working closely with and supporting the children and families involved in any way we can.

“The school appreciates the support of the parents and the police in helping us to deal with this unfortunate incident.”

'Disturbing'

Councillor David Ryder-Mills, lead member for schools and continuing education, said: “People bringing in knives to schools is never acceptable and I gather that the school is managing the situation.”

Councillor David Cunningham, opposition lead member for schools and continuing education, said: “It does sound very disturbing. I do hope it is an isolated incident.”

John Trend, director at youth charity Oxygen, said: “It is sad that that happened. I am being less surprised by things like this which is a shame. Knives are easily accessible. They think that is the answer to their problems. The innocence of youth is starting to evaporate.

“For a very young person dealing with something where they feel unsafe or unjustly treated, we forget they have not learned all the skills they need to cope.”