Lecce schools report incidents involving knives and utility blades

Two separate incidents involving weapons in schools occurred on the morning of Thursday, September 24, in the Salento region of Italy, prompting investigations by local authorities.

In Trepuzzi, a six-year-old primary school student was found to have a 13-centimeter kitchen knife in his backpack. The discovery was made after a classmate alerted a teacher. The Carabinieri and social services were called to the scene, and the case is being coordinated by the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office in Lecce. Investigators are looking into whether the child was prompted by a peer or if the incident was related to a previous dispute between students.

On the same morning in Maglie, a 12-year-old middle school student was found in possession of a utility knife (taglierino). The student reportedly rubbed the blade against a classmate's arm, though no injuries or marks were reported. The teacher intervened immediately, and the student received a formal disciplinary warning. This incident has also been referred to the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office for further review.