A Belfast school has reportedly advised three Muslim girls not to return ‘in the interest of their own safety’.
The three haven’t been back to the Belfast Model School for Girls since an alleged assault there in November.
Complaints were made to police about the incident, which is now being investigated.
There were claims online that schoolchildren were being targeted by Muslim girls. The school later described the online claims as inaccurate.
BBC News NI reported that the Girls Model advised the children not to return to the school “in the interest of their own safety”.
The school’s board of governors said it is continuing to work with the Education Authority (EA).
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“Whilst we cannot discuss individual students, we remain firmly committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment where all students are happy, learning, and succeeding,” it continued.
“We would ask the local community for their support so that we can continue to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff.”
The EA confirmed it was “working closely” with the school, saying staff “from a range of services” are providing “specialist advice and support”.
“The priority is to ensure that all pupils feel safe and welcome to attend school so they can continue to learn in an inclusive environment.”
The alleged assault led to over 200 parents and residents holding an anti-bullying protest at the school.
Following that protest, school principal Paula Stuart 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.