POLICE were called to a school in Crewe following an altercation with former pupils.

Around 2.30pm on Wednesday, February 3, Cheshire Police were called to Sir William Stanier Community School following the incident involving a current pupil and two former pupils. 

A teacher was injured during the altercation and received a minor injury. He did not receive hospital treatment. Police are working with the school in relation to the assault.

Later that evening police received a call in relation to a group of teenagers gathering in the area of Richard Street.

Officers attended the scene and arrested an 18-year-old man for possession of a plank of wood. It is suspected these incidents are linked.

Sgt Angela Egerton said: “We are aware of rumours circulating on social media of large scale disorder at the school and later on in the town.

“I’d like to reassure the community that this simply is not correct.

"There have also been no threats made to young people and we are working with the school to address any concerns.

“Police will continue with high visibility patrols at the schools to provide reassurance.”

Carmen Messam, mother of Reiss Smith, 16, said she has witnessed footage of the incident that has been circulating on the mobile app, Snapchat.

“I saw two of the videos. I couldn’t believe it. They were running riot.

“It started outside then they ended up in the canteen. I heard pupils saying ‘you bow down to us’. It was wild.”

The school contacted parents via text this morning, though a full explanation has not yet been given.

The text message said ‘there will be a letter coming home with students today from the principal, with regard to recent incidents in school and the community.’

A number of concerned parents decided not to let their children attend the school today following the incident.

Carmen said: “The school hasn’t been in touch to tell us about what happened. It’s my son’s safety at the end of the day.

“He could end up being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Jason Fraser, principal of Sir William Stanier Community School, said the safety and wellbeing of students and staff is 'always our utmost priority'.

He said: “During the lunchtime break yesterday, an altercation involving six pupils took place in the school playground. Staff responded quickly and effectively to manage the situation. 

"Our school has a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour that does not meet the high standards we expect, and we acted swiftly to exclude those involved, pending a full investigation.

“The safety and wellbeing of all students and staff, in and out of school, is always our utmost priority. 

"As such, the decision was taken to involve the police as a precautionary measure. School then continued as normal for the rest of the afternoon and is open as usual today."

Mr Fraser said the school has spoken to all students and staff at the school to reassure them and clarify what happened.

He said meetings are also taking place with any families who have any remaining concerns.

He said: “As the police have confirmed, rumours on social media of large-scale disorder are simply not true.

“We are a responsible school at the heart of our local community and we will always promote the importance of tolerance and community cohesion.”