Girl, 12, arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm at Newport Girls' High School after staff member injured 'with pair of scissors'

Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to Newport Girls' High School on Friday, November 8 at around 2.25pm after a woman suffered minor injuries.

West Mercia Police has confirmed that a 12-year-old girl was arrested and has since been released on bail. 

The staff member was taken to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford for further checks, before being discharged.

Headteacher at Newport Girls High School Academy, Mr Adam Jones said this was an "isolated incident".

He told the Shropshire Star: "I can confirm there was an isolated incident in school on Friday involving a pupil and a member of staff. The member of staff received hospital treatment and has since been discharged. The police were called, and we are assisting them with their enquiries.

"I wish to reassure pupils, families and staff members that we take the safety and well-being of pupils and staff very seriously, and that this was an isolated incident. I understand that this may be distressing so additional support is available for any pupil or staff who require it.

"As this is an ongoing police investigation we cannot comment further."

In a letter sent to parents on Saturday, November 9, and seen by the Shropshire Star, the headteacher asked pupils to refrain from discussing the matter on social media.

It read: "Yesterday afternoon, there was an isolated incident in school between a pupil and a staff member where the staff member sustained injuries for which they received hospital treatment. The staff member has since been discharged from hospital and I have visited them today.

"The police were called, and the school is assisting with their inquiries. As this remains an active police investigation, I am unable to provide further details at this time.

"Due to the sensitivity of this situation, I kindly ask that you speak with your child(ren) about refraining from discussing the matter on social media. I am aware of some messages circulating on platforms such as WhatsApp and have shared these with the police to assist with their investigation. 

"Please be assured that this was an isolated incident. We tale safety and the well-being of pupils and staff very seriously. I recognise that this may be destressing, and additional support is being made available to any staff or pupils who require it.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank those staff and emergency services who supported in the response to the incident. I am sure you will join me in sending our best wishes to the staff member involved."

Meanwhile, a West Mercia Police statement said: "We were called to Newport Girls’ High School at 2.25pm on Friday following a report of an assault involving a pair of scissors.  

"The victim, an adult, suffered minor injuries during the incident. A 12-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and has since been released on bail." 

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson added: "We were called to Newport Girls High School, Wellington Road, Newport at 2.48pm on Friday (November 8).

"One ambulance responded to the scene and treated a woman who had sustained minor injuries. She was conveyed for further checks to Princess Royal Hospital."