London teacher suspended after claims primary school pupil 'punched multiple times'

Scotland Yard is investigating the incident involving a member of staff at Christ the King Primary School in Islington

Scotland Yard is investigating the incident involving a member of staff at Christ the King Primary School in Islington

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Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 07/12/2023

- 09:35

The Metropolitan Police is investigating an incident after a teacher was accused of assaulting a 10-year-old

A teacher in London has been suspended after being accused of punching a primary school pupil multiple times.

The 10-year-old later received treatment at A&E.


Scotland Yard is investigating the incident involving a member of staff at Christ the King Primary School in Islington.

Charles Etumnu, whose son was involved in the alleged incident, claimed the pupil was left in tears.

Etumnu told Sky News: "He said he was on a stairwell landing watching a pupil that was getting into trouble.

"He then felt a forceful push from behind. He stumbled and regained balance and said 'Don't touch me'.

"The teacher then dragged him to a confined space on the landing and started raining punches on him.

"He was trying to fend them off when other teachers came and pulled them off him. My son then started crying."

The pupil, who was accused of performing an “act of aggression” towards a member of staff, was initially suspended.

However, a letter issued to the family the very same day revealed the suspension was rescinded.

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Tidy tables and chairs arranged in school class room, ready for pupils to arrive, education, learning, organisation

Tidy tables and chairs arranged in school class room, ready for pupils to arrive, education, learning, organisation

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It had been claimed that the 10-year-old knocked off the staff member’s glasses and pulled out a clump of their hair.

The Etumnu’s enrolled three of their children at the school but opted to remove them following the incident.

The Metropolitan Police received a report into the alleged assault on November 10.

However, the incident went viral on the social media platform TikTok after the boy’s father confronted the deputy headteacher at the school gates.

The chair of governors at Christ the King Primary School confirmed the member of staff at the centre of the allegation remains suspended.

James Potts said the school is taking the allegation "extremely seriously".

"An allegation was made about an incident at the school in November,” he said.

Christ the King Primary School in Islington

Christ the King Primary School in Islington

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"As soon as the allegation was made, we took the matter extremely seriously and took all appropriate actions.

"A member of staff was suspended at the time, pending a full investigation.

"We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police, Islington Council and the Diocese of Westminster.

"As part of our continued partnership with parents, carers and the wider community, we take the safety and well-being of our pupils extremely seriously, and are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst an investigation is ongoing."

However, Scotland Yard has not received reports of any serious injuries following the incident.

The Metropolitan Police have been speaking to those involved and “several witnesses”.

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