A teenage boy who shot two girls with a BB gun while they were at school has avoided having to appear in court.

The incident at Harleston Sancroft Academy has instead been dealt with via a so-called 'out-of-court disposal' and an intervention from the Youth Justice Service.

This refers to a way of resolving the case without it going to court and can still involve various sanctions, including a caution.

In June, the boy fired pellets from a BB gun while standing outside the school grounds, towards pupils who were outside on their lunch break. Two girls suffered minor injuries during the incident.

Witnesses say there was alarm, as frightened pupils ran inside for safety. One neighbour, whose garden backs onto the field, said he had heard screams from children and later saw police search the area.

Two pupils of Harleston Sandcroft Academy were shot by a member of the public with a BB gunTwo pupils of Harleston Sandcroft Academy were shot by a member of the public with a BB gun (Image: Submitted)READ MORE: Locals react to horror moment pupils were shot at on their lunch break

Police later arrested the boy at his home address on suspicion of affray and took him to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Now, three months later, the force has confirmed that the youth who fired the gun has faced punishment - but will not appear in court.

A Norfolk police spokeswoman said: "A teenage boy was arrested and questioned at Wymondham Police Investigation Centre.

"This has been dealt with by an out-of-court disposal and Youth Justice Service Intervention."

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Children who commit less serious offences and are at low risk of reoffending can be offered such alternatives to being charged with criminal offences.

Examples of out-of-court disposals include triage (which involves no further action), a community resolution, a youth caution or a youth conditional caution.

They aim to prevent children from re-offending while also helping to repair the damage they may have caused with their actions.