SALEM — Reports of a possible firearm at Southeast Elementary School Friday turned out to be a toy gun.

In an announcement posted on its Facebook page Friday, the Salem Police Department said that it had been “alerted to a potential safety concern involving a possible firearm on school property at Southeast,” prompting law enforcement and school officials to “responded immediately to investigate the situation.”

Following “a thorough assessment,” officials concluded that the item was a toy gun.

“We want to assure you that all students and staff are safe, and there was no threat to our school community,” read the statement.

Superintendent Sean Kirkland said that a Southeast student had brought the toy to school with him in his backpack, and that someone had seen and reported it, prompting the investigation.

“The proper steps were taken by everyone involved to ensure everybody’s safety. There was no ill-intent on behalf of the student, he made a mistake and brought his toy to school,” said Kirkland.