EDUCATION bosses have closed a specialist school at the centre of a police investigation launched after a teacher allegedly waved a gun at a pupil.

Suffolk Police are investigating the claims made at the centre for children with specialist educational and emotional needs.

They have spoken to a male teacher who voluntarily handed over a de-commissioned antique firearm which had been shown to students during a class.

Tonight Suffolk County Council confirmed the unit, which is not being identified for legal reasons, has been closed.

The unit was not registered with the Department for Education and, although it was working to correct this, it is understood the current investigation had highlighted other concerns.

A spokesman said it was not illegal to operate the centre without registration but added: “In any case, we have now closed the centre during the investigation into this alleged incident.

“We are making alternative arrangements for the young people to continue their GCSE studies. This will include one to one tuition.”

Police were called on March 8 after the teacher produced the gun in front of pupils on March 4.

Officers are considering whether any criminal offence was committed.

“Officers were dispatched to speak to the students concerned, who confirmed that an antique gun had been shown to students by their teacher,” a spokesman added.

“The teacher was visited by officers who searched his home address for any unlawful firearms and questioned him in relation to the alleged offence.

“A de-commissioned, antique firearm was voluntarily surrendered to firearms officers for further inspection and words of advice were given to the teacher.”

Police are working with the school and Suffolk County Council.