Three pupils suspended after primary school sexual assault claims » Local Government » 24dash.com

Three boys have been suspended from a primary school in Bristol after claims that they sexually assaulted a male classmate in the toilet.

The trio are accused of carrying out a serious assault at Cabot Primary School - but cannot be prosecuted as they are aged under 10.

The school, in St Paul's, has 184 pupils and has been at the centre of a three-party probe by police, education officials and social workers.

Avon and Somerset Police said they have handed the inquiry over to the city's education authority and social services.

Head teacher Carmen Cadwgan wrote a letter to parents, published in the Bristol Evening Post, assuring them that their children are in no danger.

It reads: "Thank-you for your support during the past few days. All agencies who have been involved have completed their investigation and I can now advise you that your children remain safe in school."

Avon and Somerset Police spokesman Ian Drury said: "Police received an allegation that a schoolboy was the victim of a sexual offence at a Bristol school.

"The incident was fully investigated and it was deemed the best course of action would be for social services and the local education authority to deal with the incident because those involved were young children and below the age of criminal responsibility."

City council spokeswoman Katharine de Lisle issued a statement on behalf of the school saying the alleged offenders are getting "alternative"
education away from Cabot Primary.

She said: "The children involved in the incident were temporarily excluded while the situation was investigated and are currently receiving alternative education provision.

"The school and Local Education Authority have reassessed the situation and concluded that for the moment they should not return to Cabot Primary."