Attack at private boarding school leaves three seriously injured including two pupils

Two students and a staff member have been seriously injured in an attack at an independent private school in Tiverton, Devon. The three people suffered “multiple serious injuries” during the assault at Blundell’s school. A 16-year-old pupil at the school has since been arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The teenager remains in police custody at this time.

The exact details of the attack and the nature of the injuries remain unclear, but it took place overnight at around 1am.

South Western Ambulance Service confirmed that it was called to the scene at 00:57.

The police described it as “a very traumatic incident for those involved”.

School head Bart Wielenga wrote a letter to the parents and guardians of students at the school today to reassure them that the attack was an “isolated incident”.

He noted that there would be a police presence around Petergate, one of the school’s boarding houses, for “some time”.

The school head added that he would address the pupils soon and that counseling support would be available.

Mr Wielgena said that the school was cooperating fully with the police.

He also urged parents and concerned locals not to engage in speculation or post on social media.

Supt Antony Hart, the local policing commander for Devon and Cornwall Police, echoed the school’s heads remarks, saying there was no wider risk to the community. 

Supt Hart added: “Throughout the day we will continue with searches and enquiries in the vicinity of the school while we are in the early stage of our investigation.”

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We sent three double-crewed land ambulances, an air ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and hazardous area response teams.

“Three individuals were conveyed by land ambulance to hospital.”

Blundell’s School has fees of £41,325 a school year for a senior boarder.

The mixed school costs over £28,000 for those in years seven and eight.

On its website, the school says it has a “safe, secure campus, set on the edge of the market town of Tiverton, surrounded by gentle hills and green space”.