AN eleven-year-old boy has been excluded from his York primary school after a younger, female pupil suffered knife injuries in an incident before a school disco.

Police were called after the girl, believed to be around nine years old, suffered minor hand injuries in the incident at Carr Junior School, Acomb.

City of York Council education officer Mark Ellis said: "We're aware that there was an incident at Carr Junior School on Thursday prior to a disco at the school.

"A girl received minor injuries to her hand from a penknife brought by another pupil."

Mr Ellis said: "The police were called and the boy has been excluded.

"The school is investigating the incident and both sets of parents have been involved in discussions with the head teacher."

Police confirmed they were acting in the case.

Sergeant Colin Ventress said: "The police were called to an incident at Carr Junior School at 18.12pm on Thursday.

"An 11-year-old boy had a knife which he had had with him at school.

"A young girl received minor injuries to the back of her hand, and our inquiries into the incident are ongoing."

It is not known whether any criminal charges will be brought against the boy. The girl is recovering at home.

The chairman of the school governors, Jeff Barrett, said: "The head interviewed the children and their parents and has been working with the local authority and the police to resolve the matter for the best.

"Everyone at the school is working to do the best for all concerned.

"Obviously the safety of the pupils is of paramount importance to the head and everybody concerned with the school, and will be at the front of the head's mind in taking any decision and in guiding the school."

Updated: 11:48 Wednesday, May 28, 2003