Police are investigating after a number of reports of an assault at a North Belfast secondary school.
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.
The school is aware of the incident and it is being dealt with in line with Education Authority guidelines. The Education Authority said there is no evidence to support inaccurate claims being expressed around social media regarding pupil safety at the school.
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DUP MLA Brian Kingston said: “I have spoken this morning to the Chair of the Board of Governors of the Girls Model School regarding the serious physical incident which occurred yesterday.
"She tells me that the school is fully aware of this incident which was witnessed by members of staff and that the school is dealing with this in line with Education Authority guidelines.
"The PSNI, the EA and the parents of the pupils concerned have all been informed and are also now involved. This incident has caused huge concern among the school community.
"DUP elected representatives have requested a meeting with the School Principal regarding this matter. We will continue to monitor progress as it is dealt with by the school leadership and other relevant statutory authorities. Pupil safety remains our primary concern.”
A spokesperson for the Education Authority told Belfast Live 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 (EA) 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 occurred at a school in North Belfast on Tuesday 12th November.
Chief Inspector Alan Lowry said: “Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances and 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 using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."
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