A teenage boy is in a critical condition and another is seriously injured following an assault at a private school in Devon.
Police were called at around 1am on Friday 9 June to a building on the site of Blundell’s School in Tiverton following reports of serious assault.
A 16-year-old boy from Tiverton has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He remains in police custody at this time, police confirmed.
One of the boys is in a critical condition in hospital, while the second is seriously injured but in a stable condition, police said in an update on Friday evening.
A third person injured during the incident, a member of staff, has been discharged from hospital.
Superintendent Antony Hart confirmed that weapons were located at the scene.
“We are still establishing what happened in the early hours of this morning and an extensive investigation continues,” he said.
“Our investigation is being assisted by experts who are assessing the injuries sustained and how they were caused. While we can confirm some weapons were located at the scene, it would not be appropriate to speculate on how these may have been involved while our enquiries continue.
“Our priority is to fully investigate this incident and support the victims, their families and the school community. Our thoughts remain with the injured boys, man and their loved ones.”
Blundell’s School in Devon
Earlier, SI Hart reassured the community that “there is no wider risk, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter”.
Headteacher Bart Wielenga said the school is “confident” this was an isolated incident and there is “no ongoing threat or concern” in a letter to parents and guardians.
He said support for any pupils that feel affected by the incident is available.
The mixed school costs £41,325 a year for senior boarders and more than £28,000 annually for those in years seven and eight.
