Three people, including two students, have been hospitalised with multiple serious injuries following an assault at Blundell’s School, an independent co-educational boarding and day school in Tiverton, Devon.

Police have stated that a 16-year-old boy from Tiverton has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The BBC has reported that in a letter to parents and guardians of students the school’s head Bart Wielenga said he was “confident that this was an isolated incident” adding that there would be a police presence around Petergate, one of the school’s boarding houses, for “some time”.

Wielenga added that the school was working closely with police, that support would be available for pupils, and urging parents not to engage in speculation or post on social media.