Dozens of MPs are calling for the government to investigate a “horrific” group attack on a Black schoolgirl in Surrey.
The teenager, and another 15-year-old girl, were set upon by a number of people outside Thomas Knyvett College in Ashford on Monday afternoon, in what police are treating as a “serious racially aggravated assault”.
Footage of the incident shows the Black girl being dragged around by her braids and repeatedly kicked in the head, while at one point she is beaten by three people at once.
Five people, including two 11-year-old girls, have been arrested.
The attack has sparked huge public outcry, which saw protesters gather for a demonstration at Thomas Knyvett College on Wednesday.
Around 30 cross-party MPs have now signed a letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman, calling for the the school’s reponse to the attack be “evaluated immediately”.
NEW: @JanetDaby MP has raised the Black schoolgirl attack in parliament. She called for govt to examine @ThomasKnyvett's practices and "ensure justice has been served". @PennyMordaunt, Commons leader, said she'll write to Education Secretary @GillianKeegan. pic.twitter.com/xxUOVE7Pjf
— Nadine White. (@Nadine_Writes) February 9, 2023
The letter, penned by Lewisham MP Janet Daby, says: “Social media reports have indicated that this attack was racially motivated and follows students at the secondary school the victim attends racially abusing the victim in recent days.
“This is naturally incredibly concerning, in particular given the risk of community tensions in Ashford being inflamed and the impact this incident will have on the black community in the United Kingdom more widely.”
“The school’s response must also be evaluated immediately,” the letter adds.
“Reports circulating online and on social media indicate that a number of people, including staff from the school, watched on without acting and failed to disperse onlookers during the incident.
“This bystander apathy follows reports that the school failed to take action against the racist abuse of the victim in the days leading up to the incident. If accurate, this inadequate response is cause for considerable concern for the safeguarding of students, in particular black, Asian and ethnic minority students, at the school.
“This would merit urgent scrutiny and we encourage you to liaise with the Education Secretary in relation to this.”
A cousin of the Black victim says the teenager was left barely eating and speaking following the ordeal, which reportedly saw nine of her hair braids pulled from her scalp.
In a harrowing two-minute video clip of the attack, passersby can be seen watching the events unfold but appear not to intervene.
The assault ends when Thomas Knyvett College principal Richard Beeson and another man appear at the scene, which is less than 100 metres from the school.
Mr Beeson can be heard in the video saying: “Can we let go please? Thank you.” The attackers then disperse.
The principal’s response has been criticised by some who believe it to be “nonchalant and non-urgent”.
More than 70,000 people have so far signed a petition calling for his actions to be scrutinised, with some calling for his dismissal.
The MPs’ letter asks for details of any safeguarding and training in place at Thomas Knyvett College, to help protect Black and minority ethnic students and deal with racism.
The letter has also been sent to the Education Secretary, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, and the Chief Constable for Surrey Police.
Ms Daby also raised the incident in the House of Commons on Thursday lunchtime, when she said she had “lost sleep” over Monday’s “horrific” attack.
The Labour and Co-op MP for Lewisham East added that while a police investigation is already underway, “it’s the responsibility of the local government and central government that this incident is being investigated fully”.
“This has torn through the heart of so may communities, and communities are in pain and outraged because of what’s happening,” she said.
She asked Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, to approach the Department for Education “to look into what practices are not, and are taking in that school regarding safeguarding, and also address the professional performance of the school teachers”.
She also asked Ms Mordaunt to contact the Home Office, to ensure the victims and the families are being adequately supported.
Ms Mordaunt said she will raise Mr Daby’s concerns with the Secretary of State for Education.
Five people arrested
Surrey Police said on Wednesday that four people - a 39-year-old woman, a 16-year-old girl, and two 11-year-old girls - have been arrested on suspicion of attempted racially aggravated GBH following the attack.
The 39-year-old and a 43-year-old man have also been arrested on suspicion of child neglect, and “intentionally encouraging and assisting the commission of an indictable only offence”.
The 16-year-old girl was also arrested on suspicion of malicious communications.
Officers are also keen to speak to a 15-year-old girl, who has so far evaded police.
“She knows she is wanted in connection with this incident, and we encourage her to hand herself in to her nearest police station,” said the force.
Following the incident, a letter was sent out to parents by Mr Beeson.
“We would like to reassure you that the police were called and are currently investigating. We are supporting the police as they investigate this matter,” he said.
Thomas Knyvett College has not yet responded to the Standard’s requests for a comment.
Police have urged people not to share footage of the attack, warning doing so could risk prejudicing any future trials or court appearances.
Any images of video of the incident can be uploaded to Surrey Police’s evidence portal here. Anyone who was in the Salcombe Road area between 2pm and 3pm on Monday, or who has information about the incident, is asked to contact the police quoting PR/45230014226, either through the Surrey Police website, online chat, or by calling 101.
