Youth charged over hammer attack

Police are worried about copycat attacks

A 15-year-old has been charged with assault and violent disorder following a hammer attack at a Derby school.

A second youth was arrested on Wednesday by police investigating the incident.

Five pupils and several members of staff were hurt when a gang armed with hammers stormed into Derby Moor Community School.

One pupil, Radhika Shukla, 14, suffered a fractured skull and internal bleeding.

CCTV tape

She has now been released from hospital.

Headteacher David Roles said: "My staff acted very, very bravely."

Most of the incident, which happened at lunchtime on Monday, was captured on CCTV and police are examining tapes.

Inspector Kul Mahay of Derbyshire police said: "Whenever children are involved like this, the danger is people will jump on the bandwagon and get excited.

Police watching

"We are paying attention to schools in the area and at the first sign of interest in this type of activity then police will be involved."

Worried parent Stephanie Collins refused to allow her children into school on Tuesday.

"I feel it is unsafe to send them. I feel yesterday they did not manage to control the situation very well.

"It has to be resolved, it has to be looked at as to security."