A GIRL of 12 is to be excluded from her school after bringing a gun into the building.

Police were called after the weapon was found at Whalley Range High School for Girls, in Manchester.

Officers were alerted just after 1.30pm yesterday and went to the school in Wilbraham Road, Fallowfield.

The gun had been brought by a pupil who had taken it from her father's house.

Officers made the weapon safe. It was an imitation firearm capable of firing pellets.

Head teacher Patsy Kane said: "An unloaded pellet gun was brought into school by a pupil. Police were alerted as soon as staff were aware of this. At no point were the girls in any danger.

"The matter is however being taken very seriously and being investigated by both the school and the police. The pupil involved has been excluded from school."

Mrs Kane said she would be recommending permanent exclusion for the pupil but this would be subject to appeal.

She added: "The incident was dealt with in a very efficient manner and letters have been sent to all parents to reassure them of that fact."

The school has 1,600 pupils - including a sixth form.

The gun was brought into the school building and the pupil was showing it to other students when a member of staff was alerted.

In August the MEN revealed that police seized 112 weapons - including 32 fake guns at schools in Greater Manchester in the last two academic years.

The cache of imitation guns included BB pellet weapons, air guns, a starter pistol and a blank firing revolver. Police also found 67 knives. The other 13 weapons included a knuckle-duster, home-made shock devices, a screwdriver, catapult, and scissors.

The school became one of the most high profile in Manchester under the leadership of Dame Jean Else. She was suspended in 2004 and eventually sacked in 2006 after allegations of nepotism.