Protesters have descended on a school again over a Prophet Mohammed image as reports emerge it has closed for the day.
Crowds held demonstrations outside Batley Grammar School in Batley, West Yorkshire yesterday over a religious row.
A teacher has been suspended after allegedly showing derogatory caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed in an RE lesson.
This prompted parents and locals to visit the school to make their voices over the issue heard, reports Examiner Live.
Headteacher Gary Kibble has "apologised" for the inappropriate resource, which is said to have been used on March 22.
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Pictures have emerged of around 50 protesters outside the school for a second day this morning, with police also called to the scene.
The crowd is said to have been peaceful so far, with no chanting or shouting.
Unconfirmed reports say remote learning has been put in place at the school for the day.
It is understood that students are being turned away at the gates and told to go back home to take part in lessons.
The teacher alleged to have shown the image is also reportedly under police protection after being suspended.
The unnamed member of staff is said to be being held at a 'safe location'.
In a statement, headteacher Mr Kibble said: "The school unequivocally apologises for using a totally inappropriate resource in a recent religious studies lesson.
"The member of staff has also given their most sincere apologies.
"We have immediately withdrawn teaching on this part of the course and we are reviewing how we go forward with the support of all the communities represented in our school.
"It is important for children to learn about faiths and beliefs, but this must be done in a sensitive way.
"The school is working closely with the governing board and community leaders to help resolve this situation."
The row has spread out in the wider community, with religious leaders having their say.
Imam Mohammed Amin Pandor, director of the Peace Institute, slamming the use of the images as "totally unacceptable" yesterday.
"What has happened in the school - we are appalled. What has happened is totally unacceptable," he said.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK also expressed "grave concerns" at the use of caricatures.
A statement said: "It is complete unacceptable that such offensive material was used in the school and that is deeply distressing.
"We acknowledge the fact the school has since apologised for the incident and is taking steps to ensure that such issues do not arise in the future.
"It is vital that schools work to build a society that is based on mutual respect and understanding."
Police attended the protest yesterday and shut a nearby road as crowds spilled out.
But West Yorkshire Police confirmed no Covid fines had been issued after concerns were raised about a large gathering.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education last night criticised both the caricature and the protest.
"It is never acceptable to threaten or intimidate teachers," they said.
"We encourage dialogue between parents and schools when issues emerge.
"However, the nature of protest we have seen, including issuing threats and in violation of coronavirus restrictions are completely unacceptable and must be brought to an end.
"Schools are free to include a full range of issues, ideas and materials in their curriculum, including where they are challenging or controversial, subject to their obligations to ensure political balance.
"They must balance this with the need to promote respect and tolerance between people of different faiths and beliefs, including in deciding which materials to use in the classroom."
