Yavneh pupil apologises for bringing ‘toy gun’ to school
The sixth-former says sorry for 'carelessness', after reports he was carrying the item outside the Borehamwood school
A Yavneh College pupil has apologised for “carelessness” after he was reported carrying a gun outside the school in Borehamwood on Thursday, which saw the police called.
The sixth-former was in fact bringing a toy gun from his car to the school for a drama production, but a resident reported it as a possible terror incident, saying she saw “a man swinging a silver gun”. Local media soon ran stories of a “Yavneh gunman”.
This week, the Year 13 student wrote a letter of apology, saying his actions were “thoughtless, especially when placed in the context of heightened security tensions that this country faces after the atrocities in Westminster”.
The boy’s letter was forwarded to all parents by headteacher Spencer Lewis, after the school issued a memo telling them it was a ‘false alarm.’
The boy’s letter read: “I would never intentionally cause panic, and the short walk from my car to Yavneh was not boisterous or crass. I simply sought to provide my friend with a toy gun for her drama production and would never have thought that the walk would cause such severe disruption or anxiety.”
He added: “I failed to recognise the intensity of the current circumstances and therefore profusely apologies [sic] for the inconvenience caused. I hope all parties are able to pardon my carelessness.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
