THE interim principal of Melksham Oak Community School has excluded several pupils for their part in a mass brawl earlier this month.

The fight after school in the Hawthorn Road area involved more than 50 students which left some with minor injuries.

Interim principal Aidan Blowers took firm action after hearing about the incident, which took place on Thursday, May 2 after school had ended for the day.

Around 50 Year 8 and pupils are said to have attacked five Year 11 pupils, including two girls, in a vicious assault.

Police have since stepped up patrols in the area at going-home time and Mr Blowers has written to parents and guardians to explain what action he has taken.

He said in the letter: “I met with the police straight away. I and my staff have also met and communicated with parents of some of the young people involved.

“We are supporting the police with their work and will continue to support them and our students moving forward.

“The safety of our students is paramount and we will do all that we can to work as a school with the police and the community moving forward.

“Such incidents are exceptionally rare and it is critical that we get our response right. We have extended our senior duty staff at the start and end of the day and will continue this in the short term as students enter and leave school.

“Even though this incident took place nearly a mile away from school outside of school time, we have given and taken statements and excluded a number of students for their involvement.”

Charlotte Chilton, the local community co-ordinator for Wiltshire Police, said: “ We are aware of a group of young people in Melksham who have been involved in anti-social behaviour and are carrying out ongoing work to tackle this.

“As and when young people are identified as being involved in anti-social behaviour or criminality, then contact will be made by the most appropriate agency.

“In the short term, additional high visibility patrols are being conducted by local PCSOs in Melksham.”

Cllr Jon Hubbard, the new mayor of Melksham, who is also chairman of the Canberra Centre trustees, said: “Clearly there has been an incident which needs to be addressed but we must be careful about how we respond.It is not representative of the vast majority of young people in the town.”