Near Graz:

Toy gun triggers major operation at school

A sensational police operation on Wednesday morning in Laßnitzhöhe, east of Graz: a witness had seen two boys handling a pistol on the sidewalk in front of the secondary school. The Cobra special unit searched the school. Then the all-clear was given: it was just a toy gun.

There was great excitement when numerous police patrols with flashing blue lights and the Cobra task force cordoned off the secondary school in Laßnitzhöhe at around 7.30 am on Wednesday. A witness had phoned to report that two boys walking on the sidewalk towards the secondary school were apparently handling a pistol.

Toy gun bought in supermarket
The pupils and teaching staff were asked by the school management to stay in their classes. The Cobra task force took over the search. Less than an hour later, the all-clear was given: two 13-year-olds meekly reported to their class teacher and handed over a harmless toy gun. They had previously bought it in a supermarket.

There was no criminal offense involved. However, according to the police, an instructive conversation was held with the two boys in the presence of their parents.