Belfast: Police investigating assault at school as hate crime

DUP MLA Brian Kingston said he is “very concerned” about the “physical incident” that happened.

Kingston said there is a “great deal of concern from pupils and parents”.

“It’s important that the relevant authorities work through what occurred and that action is taken,” he added.

The Education Authority (EA) confirmed that they are working with the school and the PSNI in line with “robust and established processes and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being” of pupils.

Kingston also appealed for pupils and parents to “stay calm” and let a “full investigation” take place.

In a statement, the EA said: “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.

“We would ask for support in helping to stop the spread of such information.”

Ch Insp Alan Lowry said the Police Service of Northern Ireland is “liaising with key stakeholders in relation to this matter”.

The PSNI has appealed to anyone with information to come forward.