Blundell's School police incident: Students injured in 'serious assault' at private school

Two students are in hospital after being injured in a 'serious assault' at a private school in Devon.

The incidents happened in the early hours of 9 June at Blundell's School in Tiverton.

Three people, including the two pupils, were assaulted and have suffered multiple serious injuries. They have been taken to hospital for treatment.

An air ambulance was sent to the scene at the school where they treated the patients before they were taken to hospital by land ambulance.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was called at around 1am to a building on the site of Blundell’s School following reports of a serious assault.

A 16-year-old boy from Tiverton has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He remains in police custody.

Police say they don't believe there is a "wider risk" to the public.

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We were called at 00.57hrs on Friday 9 June to an incident in the Tiverton area.

"We sent three double-crewed land ambulances, an air ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and hazardous area response teams. Three individuals were conveyed by land ambulance to hospital."

A letter sent to parents of children at Blundell's School said the incident was being investigated by police.

"I regret to inform you that there was a serious incident in Petergate during the night. Two boys were seriously injured and are in hospital receiving attention", the letter from Bart Wielenga, head of the school, read.

"We are confident that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat or concern."The incident is being investigated by the police and there will be a police presence around Petergate for some time. The school is working closely with the police as they follow their procedures."

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Incidents of this nature are always shocking, but when they take place in a school setting they are particularly distressing and my thoughts are with everyone involved. 

“As commissioner of victim services I am working with our strategic delivery partner Victim Support to be at the school to support anyone who witnessed or has been affected by these events which will no doubt have a lasting effect on the school community and their families. 

“I would urge anyone who feels they need support to contact Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111."

Superintendent Antony Hart, Local Policing Commander said: “At this time it is understood that all parties involved are linked to the school. I am keen to reassure the community that there is no wider risk, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.

“Throughout the day we will continue with searches and enquiries in the vicinity of the school while we are in the early stage of our investigation.”

Richard Foord, the MP for Tiverton and Honiton said the incident was "deeply concerning."

"My thoughts are with the families and friends of the pupils involved", he said.

"I think we should remember that Tiverton and Devon more broadly are safe places. Devon is one of the safest places to live in the country.

"Devon and Cornwall Police have been keen to reassure people and are stressing that this is an isolated incident.

"That is of great reassurance to me and should be for the community too."

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