A 10-year-old Dunedin school pupil has been referred to the police youth aid section after he took a BB gun to school and accidently shot another pupil.
The 10-year-old girl required medical treatment for bruising to her neck.
Senior Sergeant Phil McDouall, of Dunedin, said the boy had taken the gun, which belonged to him and looked like a pistol, to school last week.
He had loaded the gun to show friends how it worked and it went off, the pellet striking the girl in the neck.
Police were treating the incident, which could have been much worse, "very seriously", Snr Sgt McDouall said.
The boy was too young to be charged, but had been referred to youth aid staff, who would meet his family.
"This is a reminder to parents to ensure any weapon is securely locked away, preferably in an arms safe, and not available to children to access or take to school and show friends."
The principal of the school said the incident had been taken "very seriously" and the school was working with the police.
The matter had been referred to the board of trustees.
