Police at school after girls arrested over brawl

Police will continue to have a presence today at a Hamilton secondary school where a brawl took place yesterday, leading to the arrest of two girls.

A 14-year-old and a 13-year-old were both charged with assault after allegedly starting a fight at Fairfield College yesterday morning.

The older girl appeared in Hamilton District Court in the afternoon, while the younger girl was referred to Youth Aid.

Police said initial indications were that the two year-nine students punched a 17-year-old year-13 student on the face as she tried to enter a room.

Sergeant Jim Cassin, of North Hamilton police, said the victim's boyfriend went to intervene, but was set on by the two girls and by a larger group that included several male students.

School management kept students in their classes to help to keep the peace, and there was "a low profile police presence in and around the school" yesterday, he said.

The victim suffered bruising and swelling to her head and neck.

The brawl is the latest in a series of setbacks for the college, including the resignation of its board members in February after a critical Education Review Office report.

Commissioner Dennis Finn was appointed to take over their roles.

- NZPA