9:58am Friday 16th March 2007
By Nic Brunetti
A WYCOMBE HIGH School pupil was the victim of a happy slapping' attack when she was assaulted outside the school gates by a youth whose friend filmed the incident on a mobile phone.
The pupil was targeted at the school's bus stop, at around 4pm, by another girl who slapped her in the face. It is believed a boy who was in the attacker's gang had filmed the incident with a mobile phone.
The incident has emerged following a letter sent to parents on March 2, informing them that the attack had been reported to police.
The school has denounced the assault, which happened on Thursday March 1, and said that the girl, described as an older student, was not seriously injured. It added that she was not a sixth former.
Sally Jarrett, deputy to headteacher Jane Wainwright, told the Free Press: "One of our older students was slapped by another girl and was intimidated by the other girl's group of friends, one of whom appears to have recorded the incident on his mobile phone.
"Neither the girl who slapped our student, nor her group of friends attend Wycombe High School.
"This is not a situation that we have encountered previously."
Mrs Jarrett said the girl travelled home safely after the incident in Marlow Road, High Wycombe. She said the school was not aware what school the attacker or her friends were from.
In the letter she told parents: "The incident was witnessed by a number of girls, many of whom will have found it upsetting. Please be assured that the school is aware of the incident and is in contact with both the police and neighbouring schools.
"Two senior members of staff are on duty outside the school at the end of every day.
"If your daughter has any concerns she should either speak to the member of staff on duty or come back into school and report to reception."
Mrs Jarrett praised the students and parents who had rung in after the attack to check the victim was okay.
Pierre du Bois, communications manager for Thames Valley Police, confirmed police were investigating a common assault near the school.
If you have any information, call PC Richard Webb at High Wycombe Police Station via 08458 505 505.
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