AN 11-year-old girl was threatened with a knife and told You're going to get stabbed' on her first day at high school.

Jessica Bromley claims a boy put a penknife to her face on the day she started at Smithills School.

The youngster, who lives in Heaton, was too terrified to tell anyone for fear of repercussions, but eventually confided in her parents who have now reported the incident to the school.

Her parents say she has been asked by teachers to identify the boy by looking through a file of pupils' photographs.

Jessica's father, Eric, said: "She did not want to say anything because she thought it would cause more trouble and that she had only just started at the school.

"I am totally gobsmacked this has happened. You hear about things like this but never expect it to happen at your local school.

"Knife crime is increasing and now kids are taking them into schools. Something has to be done, even if it means installing metal detectors like they have in American schools. I want something done. I want this boy found and punished."

Jessica, who has one brother, aged 14 and sister, aged 12, who also attend the school, said the incident happened after lunch last Tuesday when she had just finished one of her lessons.

She said: "I was at the top of some stairs, and the boy walked up to me, put his penknife in my face and said he was going to stab me'. I was scared and turned my head away because I really thought he was going to stab me. "After what happened I always stay with my friends."

Mr Bromley said: "I am pleased with the response of the school but I want this boy found."

Headteacher Ken Howell said: "Smithills School is aware of the allegation which was not reported to school for two days. We are investigating the validity of the claim and the school-based police officer is fully involved. Smithills School does not have a knife culture and has never had a major knife-related incident."