Girl attacks classmate with scalpel

A 14-year-old schoolgirl has been stood down from school for five days after attacking another pupil with a scalpel

The Masterton pupil slashed a boy classmate on the leg during the lunch break on Tuesday after she was accidentally hit on the head by a ball.

Chanel College principal Jo Matthews said she was shocked by the girl's actions but had taken appropriate steps and the school was back to normal almost immediately after the incident.

"Clearly that was a one-off incident and we still feel the children are really safe at school," she said.

Police were called after the scalpel attack and took the girl into custody. She will be appearing in Youth Court facing a charge of injuring with intent to injure.

Senior Sergeant Warwick Burr said the school acted responsibly in the way it dealt with the incident.

The girl had been carrying the scalpel, which she brought from a Masterton shop, in her school bag.

Mrs Matthews said the girl had no history of anti-social behaviour and the attack was "totally out of the blue".

"This is an extremely unusual incident for Chanel College. I wish to reassure you that the victim is safe and presently resting at home and the offender will undertake a psychiatric assessment and receive the necessary counselling."

She said the board of trustees has been told about the scalpel attack and a discipline committee will be convened to decide the future of the offender.

The victim, a boy aged 14, was taken to hospital immediately after the attack and is said to be recovering well after having his wound stapled.

- WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE (MASTERTON)