Barbados education officials have expressed regret after a school simulation exercise reportedly left children traumatized.

Reports from the island indicate that a lock-down simulation was held at the Springer Memorial Girls School to teach students how to respond to a gang intrusion.

Nation News claims two men in the simulation went around the school with a machete and “mock gun”, banging on windows.

According to Loop News, Chief Education Officer, Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw says there is deep regret but believes the incident is a “teachable moment.”