A Belfast school has urged people to “stop the spread of misinformation” in response to an alleged assault that occurred at the school earlier this week.
Yesterday parents and concerned residents gathered at Belfast Model School for Girls in a protest against bullying following the incident.
The PSNI said it is investigating the incident as a hate crime, and enquiries are ongoing.
In an update on Thursday evening following that protest, the principal of the school said she was “limited” in what information could be given as a result of the police investigation but warned “misinformation” being spread has the “potential to negatively impact” pupils.
She also confirmed “no knives were involved” in the alleged incident.
Addressing parents and carers, principal Paula Stuart wrote: “The safety and well-being of all our students remains our highest priority.
“We are following the robust, established processes and procedures, as set out by the Education Authority and continue to work closely with EA and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
“Due to an ongoing PSNI investigation and in line with safeguarding procedures, I am limited in what I can say in relation to this incident however, I wish to reassure parents and students that the PSNI were onsite to view CCTV and no knives were involved.
“I would reiterate that many of the claims on social media are entirely inaccurate and ask for our school community’s support in helping to stop the spread of misinformation, which has significant potential to negatively impact our young people’s sense of safety and wellbeing.
“Our school remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all our pupils.”
A protest by parents took place at the Belfast Model School for Girls this lunchtime following an alleged attack on a pupil earlier this week. PACEMAKER
Last night DUP MLA Brian Kingston attended the protest to speak with parents and pupils, as well to quell rumours and speculation.
“I spent my time talking with parents and pupils listening to their concerns both about the incidents this week and other incidents that occurred this year. Particularly to pupils who had been involved in physical incidents saying they had been attacked.
“It’s always helpful to hear from people directly, especially when there is a lot of speculation involved. That’s my role, to listen to public views and concerns. I hope that the investigation will get to the bottom of the matter.”
A spokesperson from the Education Authority assured the wider school community that they were working the PSNI in line with “robust and established processes and procedures ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our pupils”.
They added: “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.”