A schoolboy was attacked by thugs wearing balaclavas in a frightening incident in the Black Country, police have confirmed. The attack occurred shortly after the school day ended at Wodensborough Ormiston Academy on Tuesday, June 9.
Police were called to Hydes Road just before 3.20pm following reports of a serious incident. The boy was found with injuries and taken to hospital for further checks, a spokesperson for West Midlands Police said.
They added: "We are investigating an assault on a boy who was attacked by a group of other boys wearing balaclavas in Wednesbury. We were called to Hydes Road shortly before 3.20pm yesterday (Tuesday). The boy received injuries which are not serious and was taken to hospital to be assessed. We are urging witnesses or people with information, including mobile phone footage, to please contact us on 101 quoting crime number 20/280065/26. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 080 555111."
A spokesperson for Wodensborough Ormiston Academy said that extra staff would be on duty at the start and end of the day for the rest of the week. In a statement shared on social media, they said: "We are writing to provide an update following a serious incident which took place shortly after the school day today involving a student. The police and ambulance service were called and quickly arrived to provide support. The student has now been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure to be checked over.
"We know that this incident was witnessed by members of our school community and understand that there will be concern. Please be assured that we are treating this extremely seriously, working closely with the police and other authorities to support ongoing enquiries and ensure the necessary support is in place. We are aware that some misinformation is circulating following the incident. While we cannot share further details at this stage due to ongoing enquiries, we want to reassure families that, although this was an extremely serious incident, we understand that no bladed item was involved.
"The health, safety and wellbeing of all our students is our absolute priority. To support this, we will have enhanced staffing on the school gates at the start and end of the day for the remainder of the week, and pastoral support will be available for any student who may need it. We will also continue to keep you updated as appropriate. Finally, we would like to thank members of our school and wider community for the support and care shown during today's events. It is greatly appreciated."
West Midlands Ambulance Service has been approached for comment.
