Taunted teacher snapped say parents (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Taunted teacher snapped say parents

2:57am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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A 14-year-old boy remains seriously ill in hospital after allegedly being hit with a metal weight by his science teacher during a lesson.

Jack Waterhouse received serious head injuries after the incident at All Saints' Roman Catholic School in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, on Wednesday morning.

Teacher Peter Harvey, 49, is being questioned by police after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

He is also being quizzed about assaults on another boy and a girl at the school at the same time.

Officers were called to the school in Broomhill Lane after paramedics had arrived to find Jack unconscious in a pool of blood at the entrance to a classroom in the science block.

There were more than 20 pupils in the classroom when it appears a row erupted between the boy and the teacher.

According to parents, Mr Harvey allegedly "snapped" and lashed out at Jack with a weight used to teach science.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Pearson, who is leading the investigation into what happened, said: "The school, the teachers and the parents are absolutely shocked. It was a trauma to all those involved. Something like this is very, very rare and it's important to get to the truth of what has happened.

"We have a full picture of what has taken place and so the welfare of the child and his family are the main concern."

Mr Harvey, who is local to the area, remains in custody at Mansfield police station.