POLICE in Helensburgh say that an incident reported by the Advertiser in which a seven-year-old boy escaped unsupervised from the grounds of a school in the town, was one of no fewer than three similar incidents at the school on the same day.
The pupil at John Logie Baird Primary in Winston Road was picked up by police on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 18.
After the report was published online, several readers’ comments on social media suggested that the incident was not an isolated one.
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Helensburgh police inspector Roddy MacNeill said: “We attended the primary school three times on June 18 to assist staff with children.
"All were returned within minutes and staff had maintained visual observations on the boys.
“Police assisted with vehicles to return them safely as this negates the chance of them running off from staff if they were to walk back with them.”
“All were nearby the school.”
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An Argyll and Bute Council spokeswoman said: “The safety of pupils is our priority.
"On this occasion, attempts by staff to try and stop the pupils concerned from leaving the school grounds were unsuccessful.
“The school followed all the necessary protocols and visual contact was kept on the children at all times, ensuring they were safe until the police arrived.”
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