Cops investigating after seven white pupils ‘tied up and whipped black classmate in mock slave auction’
Avon and Somerset cops have confirmed they have launched the probe into an incident which occurred during at a lunch break.
COPS are investigating after a group of students allegedly tied up and whipped a black pupil in a “mock slave auction” on school grounds.
Police have confirmed they have launched the probe into an incident which occurred during at a lunch break.
At least seven white teenagers were said to have chained a fellow pupil to a lamppost and whipped him with sticks, calling him extreme racist names harking back to the slave trade.
The secondary school in Bath, Somerset which has not to name to protect the victim’s identity says it "thoroughly investigated" what it described as "an incident" in January and that it took action "in line with statutory procedures".
Three of the alleged perpetrators were originally expelled by the headteacher, but were allowed to return when the board of governors overturned the headteacher’s decision.
The victim’s parents did not wish to comment, but other parents were fuming about the situation.
When originally questioned about the incident and how it was handled, the school said: “An incident took place in January which involved a group of established friends.
“This incident was thoroughly investigated by the school and action taken, in line with statutory procedures. The police were informed by us and an investigation is ongoing, fully assisted by the school."; The chair of the board of governors declined to comment.
News of the incident spread and several parents with children at the school expressed their dismay at the shocking nature of the alleged incident and particularly the school’s handling of it.
One Bath couple, who both have mixed-race children, are appalled at the implied message to pupils about the acceptability of racist behaviour.
The boy it happened to is just the sweetest little thing ever. He’s so sweet and kind and gentle.
Concerned parent
The father said: “It just sends the wrong message out to the children. I’ve got a mixed-race son. He’s thinking ‘they’re going to stick up for the white kids but we get in trouble if we do something wrong’.”
His partner agreed, saying she was still “reeling” from shock at the apparent attitude of the school towards racism and the impact of that on the already traumatised victim.
“The boy it happened to is just the sweetest little thing ever. He’s so sweet and kind and gentle. It just makes it even worse.";
Today the school said it sent the following message to all parents and staff: "We have today become aware of media interest in an incident which took place in January and involved a group of established friends and related to a single incident of unacceptable behaviour within the school grounds.
“A full investigation was instigated in line with both internal school procedures and Department of Education requirements, including contact with the police.
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“You can be assured that the school has taken this incident exceptionally seriously and that our absolute priority was, and remains, that the right path is taken for all those involved as well as the wider school community.
“Given the on-going police investigation and the need to protect all those involved, you will understand that it has been necessary to maintain confidentiality and consequently that the school does not wish to comment further."
A police spokesman said: “We were made aware of an incident at [name of school], Bath, on January 22, which took place around lunchtime.
“Enquiries are ongoing and the school is assisting. Six boys have voluntarily attended a police station and another has agreed to voluntarily attend.”
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