The principal of a North Belfast secondary school has confirmed there were "no knives involved" in an alleged assault earlier this week.
The incident in the playground at Belfast Model School for Girls on Tuesday, November 12, was allegedly witnessed by members of staff, with a local MLA saying the incident has caused "huge concern" among the school community.
Police launched an investigation following a number of reports of an assault at the school on Dunowen Gardens just off the Oldpark Road. On Wednesday evening, the PSNI confirmed they are now investigating the incident as a "hate crime."
Read more: Parents protest after suspected hate crime assault at Belfast school
Read more: Belfast school assault being investigated by police
Yesterday parents and concerned residents gathered outside the school for a protest against bullying following the incident earlier this week.
In a letter to parents and carers after the protest, the principal of Belfast Model School for Girls, Paula Stuart stated she was "limited" in what information could be given due to the police investigation, but confirmed that "no knives were involved" in the alleged incident.
Principal Stuart warned "misinformation" being spread has the "potential to negatively impact" pupils. She added: "The safety and well-being of all our students remains our highest priority.
"We are following the robust, established processes and procedures, as set out by the Education Authority and continue to work closely with EA and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
"Due to an ongoing PSNI investigation and in line with safeguarding procedures, I am limited in what I can say in relation to this incident however, I wish to reassure parents and students that the PSNI were onsite to view CCTV and no knives were involved.
"I would reiterate that many of the claims on social media are entirely inaccurate and ask for our school community’s support in helping to stop the spread of misinformation, which has significant potential to negatively impact our young people’s sense of safety and wellbeing.
"Our school remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all our pupils.”
Local MLA Brian Kingston attended yesterday's protest to speak with concerned parents, before meeting with the Principal, Board of Governors, and the Education Authority. He said he was speaking with parents about "their concerns regarding incidents since the start of this new school year."
He added: "Whilst they did not discuss any individual pupil (and we understand that cannot be done), we did pass on the concerns raised with us by parents and pupils at the protest outside the school.
"It was reiterated at the meeting, and also by the PSNI Area Commander, that no knives have been found nor reported to be in the school - there would be a very robust procedure in that circumstance. They also asked that speculation on social media should end as this is impacting on pupils' sense of safety and wellbeing."
A spokesperson for the Education Authority said they are working alongside the school and the PSNI in line with "robust and established processes and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of our pupils."
In a statement, they said: “The Education Authority is aware of an incident that occurred in a school playground on Tuesday 12 November 2024. Inaccurate information has been shared on social media, leading to increased tensions within the community, negatively impacting on student wellbeing and their sense of safety.
“We want to assure the wider school community that the safety and protection of all pupils is our highest priority. The school is working with the EA and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in line with robust and established processes and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all our pupils.
“It is important to note that, contrary to some reports, there is no evidence to support inaccurate claims or fears being expressed on social media around pupil safety at the school and we would ask for support in helping to stop the spread of such information.
“We would ask for the wider community for their continued support in our efforts to maintain a safe learning environment for all children and young people.”
Police said they have received a number of reports of assault which allegedly occurred at a school in North Belfast on Tuesday 12th November.
Chief Inspector Alan Lowry said: “Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident, which is being investigated as a hate crime. Officers are liaising with key stakeholders in relation to this matter.
“We would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to this matter, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1160 12/11/24. Alternatively, you can submit a report online or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
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