Assault at north Belfast school being treated as hate crime by police

An assault which occurred at a school in North Belfast is being treated by police as a hate crime.

The incident is understood to have happened in the playground of Belfast Model School for Girls on Tuesday.

Chief Inspector Alan Lowry said: “Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident, which is being investigated as a hate crime.

"Officers are liaising with key stakeholders in relation to this matter."

A protest was held outside the school on Thursday afternoon.

In a statement, school principal Paula Stuart said Paula Stuart, Principal of Belfast Model School for Girls, said: “The safety and well-being of all of our students remains our highest priority.

"We are following the robust, established processes and procedures, as set out by the Education Authority (EA) and continue to work closely with EA and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

“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 students.”

A spokesperson for the Education Authority said: “The Education Authority (EA) is aware of an incident that occurred in a school playground on Tuesday 12 November 2024.

“We want to assure the wider school community that the safety and protection of all pupils is our highest priority. The school is working with the EA and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in line with robust and established processes and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all our pupils.

“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."

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has said pupil safety must be paramount.The North Belfast MP said: “I am concerned at reports of an alleged hate crime at a school in north Belfast earlier this week.

“My party has been in contact with police and I have also reached out to the school in an effort to establish the full facts.

“Ensuring every child can learn and socialise in school safely must be paramount.

“I would urge those engaging in online speculation to stop and allow the school and relevant authorities to carry out the investigation, and I will support them in this in any way I can.”

Writing on social media, DUP MLA for North Belfast Brian Kingston said: "This incident has caused huge concern among the school community.

"We have requested a meeting with the School Principal regarding this matter and will continue to monitor progress as it is dealt with by the school leadership and other relevant statutory authorities."

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