Two men arrested as parents fight outside Pelsall primary school
A headteacher has called for a police presence outside a primary school after a fight broke out between two parents – with one alleged to have had a weapon.
Officers from West Midlands Police were called to Pelsall Village School last Tuesday and arrested two men in connection with the incident, which is thought to have happened in full view of pupils as they arrived for the day.
Insults were also reportedly hurled at other parents dropping their children to school during the incident.
Headteacher Glyn Bagley issued a letter to parents describing the incident as ‘extremely disturbing’, and alluding to previous issues between parents at the school.
He said: “This morning there was a very disturbing incident within the proximity of the school gates on School Lane involving parents from two of our families.
“I am aware that several parents were verbally abused, which is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Despite the message regarding inappropriate behaviour on school grounds being sounded on several occasions, and some agreed parental movements being in place, it is unfortunate that there is still a small minority who are unable to follow our requests.”
Mr Bagley added that he had put a ‘senior staff presence’ on both gates in the morning and had called for police officers to patrol the area.
He said: “We are liaising with police to try and get a police presence in the mornings and at the end of the school day but I hope you understand that the provision of this is not in our hands.”
One concerned mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I walked up to the school to pick up my children and there was a really eerie feeling.
"Everybody was talking about it and everybody is upset. It really has put the wind up people.
"It's scary. It is the last thing you imagine happening at a primary school and the last thing you want your kids to see."
A police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to Old Town Lane in Pelsall, Walsall, just before 9am to a report of two men fighting.
“A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon.”
On behalf of the school, a spokesperson for Walsall Council, said: “We are aware of an incident at Pelsall Village School on Tuesday morning, which West Midlands Police responded to and are now investigating further.”
