POLICE were called to 58 incidents in 19 south east Suffolk high schools in the last academic year, it emerged today.The call outs were for a range of offences including grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, racially aggravated assault, robbery and harassment.

POLICE were called to 58 incidents in 19 south east Suffolk high schools in the last academic year, it emerged today.

The call outs were for a range of offences including grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, racially aggravated assault, robbery and harassment.

Most were for incidents between pupils, however six were attacks by pupils on teaching staff and one was on a member of the public.

The figures, released by Suffolk Constabulary following a freedom of information request by The Evening Star, also reveal three of the alleged attacks on pupils were carried out by teaching staff.

It takes the total incidents requiring police attention in schools in the area since 2000 to 447.

Martin Goold, from the National Union of Teachers, said it was vital that headteachers reported any criminality inside school to the police.

He said: “We are pleased when the police are involved because we are often having to say to headteachers that if a crime is being committed then it is important for those children's education that the police are called.

“Most are anxious not to involve the police even when a member of staff has been assaulted.

“It might be that it is not appropriate for the police to take action, but they should be informed.

“Otherwise, there's a hidden message that the young person is getting away with it. That's not a helpful message for that person when they leave school.”

Councillor Patricia O'Brien, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for Children, Schools and Young People's Services said the figures showed that serious incidents in schools were low.

She continued: “Any violent incident in a school is very regrettable and not tolerated by the school or the county council.

“All schools have received policy advice and, as well as being skilled in preventing incidents, are able to deal with those that do occur swiftly and effectively.

“We provide comprehensive guidance and support to schools and their staff. We also have training on offer, known as Schoolsafe, which is tailored specifically to a school's needs.”

Is violence a problem in our schools? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk