Fir Vale School parents talk of removing kids after police attend fight between pupils 'and teachers hurt'
Parents with children at Fir Vale School have spoken of their concern after police were called to a fight between students in which teachers were apparently hurt.
One local businessman with children at the school said there had been a fight between two groups, and two teachers were hurt when they stepped in to break it up. It was reported locally that they were taken to hospital.
The incident triggered a huge police response, with multiple cars and vans seen on Rushby Street and Page Hall Road.
Parents started gathering at the gates on Owler Lane as word spread.
The businessman said he was “obviously worried” about this, and previous incidents, and was considering moving his children because he no longer thought they were safe.
He added: “There was a fight between two groups, I think. That's what I was told. And some teachers tried to stop them and then they actually started beating the teachers.
"Obviously my kids are in the school and I'm worried about them, and I have seen a few incidents in the past as well."
He added: "Any time the fight can break out. There is no reason for anything and it is very unpredictable.
"This type of incident is always very disappointing. I feel like the police and the community need to do more because I think a few knife incidents have also happened. A few kids were carrying knives and other stuff.
“Fights can break out at any time. It’s so unpredictable.”
A resident said he had heard about incidents of fighting in the school and today’s violence.
He said: “This was a very good area a long time ago but now it is really terrible.
"Saturday night it is fight, fight, fight.
"The police come in every time, but it’s still the same."
Another local businessman said he had taken his children out of the school after a serious incident eight years ago.
He said: “It’s just not safe around here. There are fights every other week, fights with knives and guns. I daren’t walk down the street.”
Back in 2018, the school was placed on lockdown after a brawl between pupils.
Police and paramedics were deployed and crowds of concerned parents gathered at the gates as news of the brawl spread. Police had to restore calm.
South Yorkshire Police is expected to issue a statement about today’s incident later this afternoon.
The school has also been approached for comment.