Blundell’s School is a private school in Tiverton, Devon
Three people, including two students, are in hospital with multiple serious injuries following an assault at a private school overnight.
Parents of students at Blundell’s School, in Tiverton, Devon, have been told it was an “isolated incident”.
A 16-year-old boy from Tiverton has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, police said.
Supt Antony Hart said this was “a very traumatic incident for those involved”.
The local policing commander for Devon and Cornwall Police said there was no wider risk, and police were not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.
Supt Hart added: “Throughout the day we will continue with searches and enquiries in the vicinity of the school while we are in the early stage of our investigation.”
In a letter to parents and guardians of students – seen by the BBC – school head Bart Wielenga said he was “confident that this was an isolated incident”.
He said there would be a police presence around Petergate, one of the school’s boarding houses, for “some time”.
Mr Wielenga said in the letter that the school was working closely with police, adding he would be addressing pupils and support would be available.
He urged parents not to engage in speculation or post on social media.
There will be a police presence for “some time”, the school’s head told parents
South Western Ambulance Service said it was called at 00:57 BST.
A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We sent three double-crewed land ambulances, an air ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and hazardous area response teams.
“Three individuals were conveyed by land ambulance to hospital.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said she was liaising with Victim Support to be on hand at the school to provide specialist support for anyone who needs it.
The commissioner said: “Incidents of this nature are always shocking, but when they take place in a school setting they are particularly distressing and my thoughts are with everyone involved.”
Blundell’s School – which has fees of £41,325 a school year for a boarder – told the BBC it would not be commenting on the matter at this time.
Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk
Related Topics
Related Internet Links
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
