Pupils attacked at school after classmates organise ‘Kick a Ginger Day’

Police are believed to be investigating after at least six youngsters were allegedly assaulted by other children on the same day at Wingfield Academy in Rotherham.

The apparently co-ordinated attacks are similar to an idea featured in the controversial US adult cartoon show South Park, in which characters organise a “Kick a Ginger Day”.

Parents at the 850-student school, with pupils aged between 11 and 16, have launched a Facebook group to highlight the issue, posting pictures of their children’s bruises and leading calls to ensure there is no repeat of the violence.

One mother, who asked not to be named, said she had taken her 13-year-old son out of the school until teachers could assure her there would be no further attacks.

She said: “My son rang me and said kids were kicking him, saying it was National Kick a Ginger Kid Day. He was scared so I went to get him out of school.

“My son’s leg is swollen and there are bruises coming through.It is both boys and girls who have been carrying out this bullying.”

The father of a 13-year-old girl said his daughter had also come home with bruised legs after being singled out because of her hair colour. “I think it’s disgusting,” he said. “It’s very upsetting for my daughter. If I went into school and kicked a kid then I would be arrested.”

Several websites devoted to “Kick a Ginger Day” have listed November 20 as the “official” date, leading to concerns there will be further attacks on pupils next month.

Senior staff at Wingfield Academy said the pupils who carried out the attacks had been “strongly reprimanded”.

A spokesman for the school, which was rated “outstanding” for student care by Ofsted, said: “These deplorable acts, done in the name of singling innocent people out, have no place in our school.

“The pupils involved in carrying out these acts of violence have been strongly reprimanded.”