A TEENAGE boy sparked a police investigation after he threatened to “shoot up” a school.

Staff at Blatchington Mill School in Hove called the police after a pupil told them about gun threats being made on social media.

Parents were told about the incident in an email by school headteacher Ashley Harrold on Thursday, seeking to reassure them about the concerns that were raised.

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said they were shocked about the incident.

She said: “I was told that a boy had posted messages on Instagram or on Facebook, and apparently on other social media, threatening to shoot up the school.”

The message had either been seen by, or sent to, a pupil at Blatchington Mill, sparking a major alert.

Police recorded it as a “malicious communication”, and the boy from Hove was spoken to with his guardian at his home address, on Thursday.

In an email to parents, Mr Harrold said: “During the course of the school day we became aware of a threatening message that had been sent to one of our students from another young person.

“Safety is always a priority at school and the leadership team have acted accordingly, following procedures to ensure the pupil in question, as well as all other pupils, are safe.

“I write not to alarm you, but to reassure you that the school is dealing with this situation.

“Rumour and speculation can spread quickly and cause alarm and concern.

“All relevant parents and carers have already been contacted, but if you have any concerns then please do not hesitate to contact the school.”

He said that apart from the alert, the school day had in fact been a routine one.

Pupils have been learning about Stephen Hawking in assembly and encouraged to use him as inspiration to take control of their future.

The police said: “ Shortly after 1pm on Thursday we received a report of threats of violence made towards Blatchington Mill School in Hove.

“Officers located the suspect – a teenager from Hove – and engaged with him and his guardian at his home address, and concluded no offences were committed. The incident has been recorded as a malicious communication and no further action is being taken.”