Police were called after two separate reports of weapons being shot near the grounds of a primary school.

Wendy Pang, head teacher of Great Chart Primary School in Singleton, emailed parents to let them know that shots from an air rifle had been heard in the staff car park on Monday morning.

The incident followed separate reports last week of a child firing a BB gun in the same area, around Hoxton Close, Singleton, and nearby Butt Field Close.

It is believed that the latest shooting involved an unknown youth, who was taking pot-shots at birds in hedges near the school.

Ms Pang said: “Following reports of an air rifle shot being heard at Great Chart Primary, staff notified the police who attended and offered reassurance.

“Reports that part of the school was cordoned off may be the result of a misunderstanding, as one section of school grounds is being kept clear while work is carried out on trees at the edge of the school field.”

"Officers attended and gave words of advice to a child, reported to have been using a BB gun in a public area, and his parents" - police spokesman

Police attended the scene on both occasions to investigate, warning a youngster who was found with a BB gun last week.

A police spokesman said: “We received a report of a person with a gun in the area at 3.45pm, on Friday.

"Officers attended and gave words of advice to a child, reported to have been using a BB gun in a public area, and his parents.

“At about 10.20am on Monday, officers responded to a report of a suspicious noise described as an air shot in the Hoxton Close area.

“A search of the area was carried out and no-one was seen to be acting suspiciously. There were no reported injuries or damage caused.”