CHILDREN as young as 11 have been reported to the police for having knives on school premises, according to an investigation by the Salford Advertiser.

Figures obtained exclusively by the Advertiser under Freedom of Information laws show that six weapons were found in Salford schools in the academic year 2007/2008.

They include a knife, two BB guns and three starter pistols, which do not fire live rounds but look like real guns.

Due to Data Protection laws, the names of the schools where the weapons were found cannot be disclosed.

The figures also show that the youngest person to be found in a school in Salford carrying a knife was just 11 years old.

Council officials say that, although any weapon found in school is one too many, they believe that only six weapons found in the 105 schools in Salford show that the policies on education young people about weapons is working.

Councillor John Warmisham, Salford City Council's lead member for children's services, said: "These figures show that there were very few weapons found in Salford schools. However, we do recognise that any is too many and we take the issue extremely seriously.

"There is a drive nationally for schools, local authorities and the police to work together to make schools safer and that's something we're committed to in Salford.

"It's important that we play a part in educating young people about the dangers of weapons and the consequences of using them."

Superintendent Ian Palmer, from Salford police, said: "Greater Manchester Police are dedicated to reducing violence in all forms. We recognise schools as communities in their own right and recognise vulnerabilities within the communities due to the age of those attending. In Salford, we work hand in hand with schools to assist them in delivering the safest learning environment possible."