Latest news with #LliswerryHighSchool
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
What parents think about Newport school plagued with reports of violent incidents
CRISIS-hit Lliswerry High School has been in the national headlines recently after a pupil at the school was allegedly assaulted by multiple youths and an adult. The South Wales Argus decided to gauge parental confidence in the school, following concerns about safety. Only two respondents would openly give their name and both gave favourable or somewhat neutral opinions of how the school has been coping in recent years. Those remaining anonymous tended to express unhappiness at the alleged violence and disruption at the school. "It's horrible. There is just too much social media footage and gossip about behaviour problems and fights. There seem to be gangs and we don't need that on social media,' said an anonymous father of a Year 11 pupil. The worried dad added that social media makes things worse and people are copycats who will 'live up to the hype.' A mother of a year nine pupil said: 'I didn't want this school. It was kind of forced on us. However, there haven't been any issues for us, but there's always worry.' Worries about instability and violence seemed to crop up all the time when parents spoke to us. However, we had no specific reports of disorder or violence. The main issues raised were alleged gangs, social media posts, alleged bullying and alleged revenge attacks and concerns about lack of support for parental complaints. A more positive response came from mum, Jana Powca, who said: 'We are happy with the school. It hasn't let us down. The school is good for us. We are happy with it.' Local lunchtime legend, Uday Patel, who runs the Nash Stores, opposite the struggling school, was very positive about its tradition of good education. 'My two boys went there and it was a good school and it gave them a good education. They turned out well and both my boys have Masters in engineering. 'Two Masters, I think that says a lot about Lliswerry. Things have got more difficult, especially in the last five years. However, they (pupils) will respond to good and clear instructions. In my shop, there are rules which I apply and they can't come in if they don't follow them.' Mr Patel insisted that he must respect the pupils and the pupils must respect the shop. There can be no swearing, fighting and only four in the shop at a time. The Nash Stores boss argued that many behaviour problems can be traced back to 'stupid laws about softness and rights that have caused bad behaviour. There are simple solutions for a lot of bad behaviour.' Responding, the school said: "The description of Lliswerry High School as 'crisis-hit' because of one incident is extremely misleading. Although it took place outside school grounds and hours, it was taken extremely seriously by the school, the governors and the council. Pupils who were involved have faced disciplinary action in line with Welsh government guidelines. It would be inappropriate to comment further while the police investigation is ongoing. None of the people spoken to for this report could provide specific details of other incidents. Some of the views appeared to be based purely on unfounded social media speculation. Perpetuating negative stereotypes is damaging in so many ways, not least for the majority of pupils who are hard-working and well-behaved. Lliswerry will continue to support all pupils and is committed to ensuring that they reach their full potential. Any parent with concerns can contact the school to discuss them."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Pupils expelled after schoolboy assault video
Two pupils have been expelled after a video showing a schoolboy being attacked on social media lead to their arrest. Gwent Police were made aware of the video circulating online on Wednesday 14 May, which showed a Lliswerry High School pupil being allegedly assaulted by a group of children as he was held by a man on a footbridge over Spytty Road, Newport. The two boys and a man were arrested shortly after the incident and all three have since been released on bail while enquiries continue, the police confirmed. In a statement, the headteacher of Lliswerry High School said the learners involved were currently not in school and had received "the most serious sanction available". In the update, Julia Fitzgerald said the decision was made in line with Welsh government statutory guidance to ensure children have the "best possible experiences" whilst in the school. She added the school continued to be a "calm and safe place" and thanked parents for their support and understanding. Three arrests over schoolboy assault video
South Wales Argus
17-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Community rally behind Lliswerry boy after alleged attack
On May 14 a viral video showing a pupil from Lliswerry High School allegedly being attacked shocked the community. Since the incident Gwent Police have arrested a 30-year-old man, a 13-year-old boy and an 11-year-old boy. Donations collected for the schoolboy (Image: Heather Yearsley) 32-year-old Newport local Heather Yearsley felt compelled to do something. She explained: 'I watched the video, and I was moved by it as I've got children myself.' Heather decided to start collecting for donations to help life the boy's spirits. She said: 'I put a message up on Facebook saying this is something I'd like to do and people just started sending me money towards it. 'These people didn't even know who I was.' Heather Yearsley fundraiser organiser with Hayden Stephenson (Image: Heather Yearsley) Heather explained the pupil involved in the attack didn't own a mobile phone and so was unable to call for help at the time. Now, because of the donations he's got a new iPhone13. He was also gifted a new scooter, JD gift card, a voucher to use at Shark Bites restaurant Cwmbran and a free haircut from Neyaz crib barber shop in Newport. Martial arts studio Flawless Combat Club have also offered the boy free lifetime gym membership and posted online: 'No one should have to experience anything like that.' Pictures of a brutal attack that happened involving Lliswerry high school pupils (Image: NQ) Heather added: 'I think everyone's seen the bad and everyone should see the good. 'It's nice to show the community is there and well done for being brave.' Gwent Police are still investigating the incident. Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said: "We have now identified the young person in the video being circulated online and officers continue to support him as our enquiries continue." Anyone with information regarding this is asked to contact Gwent Police quoting quoting log 444 of 14/05.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Schoolboy, 13, and man in custody after 'student held as he was attacked by pack' - as police probe 'separate assault'
A teenager and a man have been arrested just hours after a distressing video showing a schoolboy being assaulted by a 'pack' of individuals began circulating online. The sickening incident, which was caught on camera, showed a man allegedly restraining a young boy as other youngsters lined up to hit him, in Newport, South Wales. Gwent Police confirmed this afternoon that a 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The pair, who are both from Cwmbran, remain in custody tonight. Police continue to investigate the alleged assault which happened in broad daylight not far from Lliswerry High School on Wednesday afternoon - as officers also probe a second reported incident involving a different child being assaulted earlier in the day. Horrifying footage of the incident, which has been seen by MailOnline, shows a young boy looking anxious as he is approached by a man and two other boys at a location police believe to be a footbridge over Spytty Road, Lliswerry. The man can then be seen grabbing on to the youngster's shoulder and appears to speak to the two boys, before nodding towards the victim. In that moment, the boys can be seen swinging punches at the boy, as a third and fourth child joins in. The victim, clearly distressed, can be seen attempting to hit back while being held still by the adult male. A second man then emerges and appears to kick the young boy. Eventually the adult calls off the boys and lets the victim go, as the distressing video ends. Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said officers are also investigating a second reported incident involving a different child being assaulted earlier in the day. She urged people to consider their 'tone and language' and not to speculate or identify anyone thought to be involved in comments on social media. ACC Townsend added: 'We have identified the young person in the video, and officers continue to support him as our enquiries continue. 'We now believe the incident took place between 3.10pm to 3.20pm, on a footbridge over Spytty Road, Lliswerry. 'Last night, officers arrested two people in connection with the investigation. 'We're also continuing to liaise with staff at nearby Lliswerry High School in connection with enquiries regarding a separate assault that reportedly took place earlier in the day. 'I would like to thank the community for the information they've given us up to now. 'We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause, and that residents will want to express these concerns. 'But we must also stress that everyone needs to consider the tone and language they use when posting on social media. 'We would encourage people not to speculate or identify anyone thought to be involved as this is now a live investigation, and such comments can have an impact on our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice.' In a statement from the school issued on Wednesday, headteacher Julia Fitzgerald said: 'We are aware of a serious incident that took place after school today involving our learners. 'Rest assured that it has been reported to the police and we will ensure a full investigation is carried out in cooperation with police and local authority.' Chair of governors councillor Mark Howells told South Wales Argus: 'We are liaising with the police, and the local authorities are informed. 'I've got children in the school as well so it's naturally concerning. My role as chair of governors will be to ensure that the school supports the authorities to deal with it swiftly and robustly.' Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or message on social media, quoting log log 2500152173, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
Wales Online
15-05-2025
- Wales Online
Man and boy, 13, arrested following Welsh 'schoolboy attack' video
Man and boy, 13, arrested following Welsh 'schoolboy attack' video Both the man and the boy remain in police custody Two pupils from Lliswerry High School were allegedly assaulted on Wednesday A man has been arrested alongside a 13-year-old boy, following an alleged attack on a pupil walking home from school on Tuesday afternoon. The 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while the boy was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and both remain in custody at this time. A video of an assault was circulating on Facebook, leading police to launch an urgent investigation. Never miss a Newport story by subscribing to our newsletter here The assault is believed to have happened at around 3.10pm on a footbridge over Spytty Road in Lliswerry. The council has confirmed that the alleged victim has returned to school on Thursday morning and is being supported by staff. A spokesperson for Newport City Council said: "The council is aware of an assault that took place near to Lliswerry High School yesterday. This was reported to the police and their investigations are ongoing. "The victim is in school today and their wellbeing is being supported and monitored by the school. Article continues below "The council has been in close contact with the school and will continue to provide our full support to them as we deal with this incident." While officers were making enquiries about this assault, they were made aware of another incident that happened earlier that day, which reportedly involved a different child being assaulted. Police have confirmed that they understand the worry this news can cause within the community, and assure local residents they are dealing with the matters promptly. A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "On the evening of Wednesday 14 May, Gwent Police was made aware of a video circulating on social media appearing to show a school pupil being assaulted. "Officers have arrested two people - a man aged 30 and a 13-year-old boy - from Cwmbran in connection with the investigation. "The man was arrested on suspicion of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while the boy was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm; both remain in custody at this time. Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said: "We have identified the young person in the video, and officers continue to support him as our enquiries continue. "We now believe the incident took place between 3.10pm - 3.20pm, on a footbridge over Spytty Road, Lliswerry. "Last night, officers arrested two people in connection with the investigation. "We're also continuing to liaise with staff at nearby Lliswerry High School in connection with enquiries regarding a separate assault that reportedly took place earlier in the day. "I would like to thank the community for the information they've given us up to now. "We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause, and that residents will want to express these concerns. "But we must also stress that everyone needs to consider the tone and language they use when posting on social media. "We would encourage people not to speculate or identify anyone thought to be involved as this is now a live investigation, and such comments can have an impact on our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice." "You can let us know any information you have around the incident by calling 101 or by direct messaging us on social media, quoting log 2500152173. Article continues below "Alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online."
