POLICE have charged a youth following an incident in which eight Swindon schoolchildren were allegedly threatened with a de-activated handgun.
A police helicopter was scrambled at around 2pm on Monday following reports that eight boys from Dorcan Technology College had been threatened by a man armed with a handgun.
Officers carried out a search of the Dorcan, Eldene and Nythe areas, and arrested a 17-year-old male from the central Swindon area on suspicion of robbery.
The youth was remanded in custody after being questioned at Westlea police station.
He is to appear at Swindon Youth Court today to face three charges of robbery and one of attempted robbery.
Police have seized a weapon a black and silver Italiano nine millimetre pistol which was de-activated and was incapable of firing ammunition.
It has been sent for forensic examination.
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