FIGHTING pupils could be left to scrap it out by teachers fearful of getting involved.Teachers' union official Tim Beech warned a rising tide of violence against his members meant they would have to think twice before breaking up playground scraps.

FIGHTING pupils could be left to scrap it out by teachers fearful of getting involved.

Teachers' union official Tim Beech warned a rising tide of violence against his members meant they would have to think twice before breaking up playground scraps.

And the NASUWT representative said threats of legal action and false accusations of teacher brutality made it even more difficult to take action.

But Marian Williams, an eastern region representative of the Parent Teachers Association, said it was "totally abhorrent" to suggest staff should fail their duty to intervene.

Mr Beech last week called for an end to "yob culture" after an 11-year-old boy hurled a brick at a headteacher.

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