Police fear pupil attack could spark school war
Police are concerned inter-school rivalry could escalate into something more serious after a gang of pupils beat up a teenager from another school.
Officers have been scouring social networking websites like Bebo and Facebook after hearing angry youngsters were trying to incite revenge attacks. The 15-year-old, who is believed to be from William Parker, was set upon while walking home along Sedlescombe Road South at around 3.30pm last Tuesday.
A mob of teenagers, rumoured to be from Filsham Valley, punched and kicked him, leaving the lad with a broken jaw.
As a result, police later arrested a 14-year-old boy from Bexhill on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH).
He was interviewed by officers from Hastings CID, and released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Then, the following day, officers arrested a 15-year-old schoolboy from St Leonards, also on suspicion of GBH.
He was also interviewed and bailed to return to custody at a later date. Now the fear is that schoolmates of the victim will try and get their own back.
A spokesman for Hastings Police, who could not confirm the schools involved, said: "We take these matters seriously and would strongly advise teenagers not to take any action themselves. Any person taking reprisal action would be subject to arrest and prosecution themselves."
The Observer was unable to contact the headteachers at either William Parker or Filsham Valley.
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Weather for Hastings
Sunday 12 February 2012
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