Metal detectors for 'knife crime schools'

Metal detectors will be installed at secondary schools most at risk of knife crime, the government is set to announce.

Under plans to be unveiled by Jacqui Smith in February, alarm systems will be fitted at gates of selected schools in London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.

"More detail will be available in the tackling violence action plan which the home secretary will publish in the next few weeks," a Home Office spokesperson said.

Commenting on the proposals, John Dunford, general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, said it "is right" for schools to take steps to protect their pupils.

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