A 12-year-old girl has been grabbed by the throat and thrown to the ground by another pupil while at school.

The grandmother of the Cornelius Vermuyden student has said she has “no faith” in the Canvey school in an open letter seen by the Echo after the incident.

The attack, which was caught on the Canvey school’s CCTV system, showed the girl being grabbed by the throat and thrown to the ground causing her to bang her head.

She was taken to hospital as a precaution and now has to leave school early to avoid the bully.

The grandmother, who will remain anonymous, said in a letter sent to the school: “I feel I need to write this openly as I have no faith in your bullying and safeguarding policy.

“My 12-year-old granddaughter who is in Year Eight was openly attacked on Tuesday on the school premises by another student.

“At a recent meeting with the head of year and deputy head before the attack, my granddaughter stated she was afraid of this child and was being bullied. This was brushed off and it was suggested my granddaughter find new friends.

“The attack happened in the school and was recorded on their CCTV with a crowd of children watching.

“The bully grabbed her by the throat, threw her to the ground, hitting her head on the doorframe.”

Fortunately a friend in an older year was able to intervene.

The grandmother continued: “Since the attack, the school’s aftercare has been shocking. The bully was only suspended for three days even though this is not the first person she has attacked at school.

“The bully gets to come back like nothing’s happened while my granddaughter has to leave five minutes early every day to ensure her safety.

“What is more alarming is the school is taking no responsibility. In my eyes this is a total cover up and setting the example bullies don’t suffer consequences.”

Cornelius Vermuyden School, in Dinant Avenue, Canvey, said the incident has been reported to the police.

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed the force was investigating. Anyone with information should call PC Helen Harwood at Canvey police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/169838/18 or visit essex.police.uk/do-it-online or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.