A SCHOOLBOY in a hoodie threatened to shoot another boy, while he tried to rob him at gunpoint after school.

The 13-year-old terrified his victim aged 14, who did not know that the handgun was a realistic fake, the Inner London Crown Court heard.

The attempted robbery took place in Arnott Close, Thamesmead, in February.

The young mugger, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was with another boy when they spotted their victim walking home from school.

The 13-year-old pulled out the silver handgun, pointed it at his victim's face and asked him: "Have you been capped before? If you don't want to be capped, stop walking."

But his victim had nothing to steal and the boy left empty handed.

He was stopped nearby after the victim alerted the police.

The court heard how the boy had told police he had been influenced by older members of a local gang and had started carrying the gun "to protect his status."

The boy has been excluded from school several times for fighting with pupils and being rude and aggressive to staff.

He also has a police reprimand for criminal damage.

The boy has admitted attemted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent.

Probation officers took the unusual step of recommending to Judge Quentin Campbell, that the boy should be locked up "to balance public safety with the individual's welfare and needs."

On behalf of the boy, Dominic Benthall said " He is somebody who is suggestible; somebody to whom status is important. He is a boy who, in some ways, is easily led."

He said if the boy was given a custodial sentence he would be forced to mix with people who were even more badly behaved than him.

The judge ordered a psychological report on the boy and warned him if he did not co-operate he would give him a two-year custodial sentence.

Sentencing was adjourned until July 6.