Police quiz classmates about assault
Updated on 10 July 2009
Police in Nottinghamshire are questioning the classmates of a boy allegedly assaulted by his teacher during a science lesson.
The boy, named this morning as 14-year-old Jack Waterhouse, has been transferred to a specialist head injury unit in Nottingham where his condition is said to be serious but stable.
The alleged attack happened at All Saints Roman Catholic School in Mansfield.
The teacher, 49-year-old Peter Harvey, is still being questioned this lunchtime. He is a teacher with some 20 years experience, and a facebook page was set up where pupils and ex-pupils have been posting messages about what a popular and inspiring teacher he was.
But for some months he had to take sick leave from work and he had only just returned to the classroom. Detectives may want to investigate whether his illness contributed in any way to the alleged incident.
Mr Harvey was at the school on Wednesday morning, when it is alleged that he had attacked Jack Waterhouse, who was left with serious head injuries.
Detectives have been questioning pupils who witnessed the alleged assault in the presence of their parents. Two other pupils were also allegedly assaulted, and there are unconfirmed rumours here that they were assaulted when they tried to help Jack.
The two other pupils were not seriously injured, and the school has reopened as normal.
Detectives have until 8pm today to continue questioning the science teacher.
