A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after two students sustained multiple serious injuries at a private school.
Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the site of Blundell’s School in Tiverton, Devon, following reports of a serious assault at about 1am on Friday.
The force said three people, including two pupils, had been assaulted and had sustained “multiple serious injuries”. They have been taken to hospital for treatment.
A 16-year-old boy from Tiverton has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and remains in police custody.
Superintendent Antony Hart, local policing commander, said: “This is a very traumatic incident for those involved and the wider school community and we will continue to work closely with the school, providing support to those involved.
“At this time it is understood that all parties involved are linked to the school. I am keen to reassure the community that there is no wider risk, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.
“Throughout the day we will continue with searches and enquiries in the vicinity of the school while we are in the early stage of our investigation.”
Headteacher Bart Wielenga sent a letter to parents and guardians about the incident, which happened at one of the boarding houses, on Friday.
He wrote: “I regret to inform you that there was a serious incident in Petergate during the night.
“Two boys were seriously injured and are in hospital receiving attention. We are confident that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat or concern.
“The incident is being investigated by the police and there will be a police presence around Petergate for some time. The school is working closely with the police as they follow their procedures.”
Wielenga said he would be addressing pupils, adding: “I will reassure them that support is available to anyone who feels upset by what has happened.”
The school’s counsellor and chaplain were present at the school’s Lady Chapel throughout Friday.
Wielenga urged parents and guardians not to engage in speculation or post about the incident on social media.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article