A Co Down secondary school and sixth form college has appealed for calm after footage appeared online of an assault on one of their pupils that left her needing hospital treatment.
The incident happened on Tuesday afternoon and has been widely shared across social media platforms.
In a statement posted to social media, a spokesperson for Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College said: “we are aware of images circulating on social media relating to an incident involving two pupils after school.
“We want to reassure our school community that the matter has been dealt with promptly by the school, the families involved have been supported, and the police are dealing with the incident.
“We would respectfully ask that images are not shared or commented upon, particularly while the matter is being investigated” before adding, “the safety and wellbeing of all our pupils remains our highest priority.”
Stephen Dunne is a DUP MLA for the area and said the footage was “very alarming.”
“I have been in contact with both Bangor Academy and the PSNI following this very alarming incident, which has been circulating on social media.
“I have been assured that investigations are well underway and that the matter is being dealt with accordingly. It is important that process is given space to be completed as soon as possible.
“My thoughts go out to the victim of this violent attack. There is absolutely no place for violence on our streets, and I know many within the local community are understandably shocked and concerned with what they have seen online.’
A PSNI spokesperson confirmed an investigation had been launched “after a young teenage girl was assaulted.”
“It was reported that the girl was approached by a teenage male following an alleged verbal confrontation in the Castle Street area at 16:00 on Tuesday 20th October.
“The male ran towards the victim within a nearby car park and proceeded to assault her.
“He then made off on foot into a commercial premises with a number of other males. The girl attended hospital for treatment to injuries caused to her lower back.”
The PSNI spokesperson added that they are actively investigating the circumstances of what happened and that they are working in conjunction with the area Youth Diversion Officer.
Echoing the appeals of the school, the PSNI also asked members of the community to refrain from sharing the video footage on social media and appealed for people “to permanently delete it if you have it in your possession.”
The PSNI have appealed for anybody who witnessed the altercation or who may have evidence to support their investigations to contact 101 and to quote reference 1007 21/10/26.