Leeds school '˜attack' teenager held

Police were called to Benton Park School, in Rawdon, on Monday after reports a year ten student had been assaulted in a suspected targeted attack.

Staff intervened to defuse the situation before officers arrived. A 17-year-old youth has been arrested and charged with a public order offence.

It is understood senior staff subsequently issued new guidance to teachers and pupils about what to do in the event of a similar incident in future.

In a statement, co-headteachers Delia Martin and Steve Dixon said the “isolated incident” involved two people known to each other.

“Three members of staff intervened immediately and the young man was detained and police notified,” they said.

“The school are continuing to work with the police and family during the investigation and the young man is banned from the school site and surrounding area. The safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance.

“We keep our safeguarding and security protocols under continuous review and will continue to do so in light of Monday’s incident.”

The Harrogate Road school, which has 1,300 pupils, was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted at its last inspection in March last year. The behaviour of pupils was also deemed to be good.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed they were called to the school at about midday on Monday to reports a pupil had been assaulted.

A spokesman said: “His injuries were classed as slight. A 17-year-old male was arrested and subsequently charged with a public order offence.”

He is due to appear at Leeds Youth Court on March 24.