A POLICE probe has been launched after claims a schoolboy was bullied and beaten in a playground.

The year ten student from Futures College, Southend, was allegedly punched and kicked by a group of fellow students whilst on his lunch break.

Worried staff immediately called an ambulance, after he sustained facial injuries. However paramedics were later told they were not needed.

Simon Carpenter, principal at Futures College, confirmed the school had contacted police.

He said: “There has been an alleged incident which we are currently investigating.

“It is a sign of how seriously we are taking it that we have sought the involvement of the police.

“When proven and warranted, following a thorough investigation, Futures will always take firm action against serious misdemeanours. We will not tolerate bullying of any kind.”

One mum, whose son is in the same year group as the alleged victim, was not surprised to hear of the attack and blamed school bullies.

Her own 15-year-old has suffered cruel taunts and violence in the past and witnessed the incident on Wednesday afternoon.

The woman, who does not want to be named, said: “I hope they step in and seriously punish the kids doing this.

“One day’s expulsion isn’t enough – the school need to be strict and stop this happening.

“It’s just shocking, bullying just shouldn’t be happening in this day and age.”

Mr Carpenter added: “We have high expectations of our students in terms of behaviour and achievement. Every school has to deal effectively with any bullying issues and we have a clear policy for doing so.”

The ambulance service confirmed it was alerted to an incident at Futures College at 1.25pm on Wednesday.