A boy has been arrested following a report a pupil had been assaulted in a UK school, police said. Merseyside Police were called to St Mary’s College in Wallesey on January 30, after receiving a report at around 2.25pm alleging a boy had been stabbed by another boy with a baiting needle. 

The school pupil who was reportedly stabbed was taken to hospital for treatment to a puncture wound to his leg. He remains in a stable condition, the police force said. A 13-year-old boy from Rock Ferry was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent. The force said he is in police custody to be questioned.

Merseyside Police said officers attended the school to provide reassurance, and remained there to conduct further enquiries into the incident. 

Inspector Ian Wild said: “I know pupils, parents and the wider community will be shocked and saddened to hear a young boy has come to harm in this way at school.

“The use of any sharp object to inflict harm on others is, of course, never acceptable. We will continue with our enquiries into this incident and provided support to the school into next week through our Schools Officers and the Safer Schools Partnership.

“We visit schools right across Merseyside all year round to spell out the dangers of using knives and other weapons, and the serious consequences that both victim and offender can face. The circumstances of this incident demonstrate very clearly why that work is so important.” 

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 26000082360.  

People can also report information via the Merseyside Police website or call 101. Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.