Schoolboy arrested after 'impaling classmate on goal post' during sports lesson

The 14-year-old boy was speared through the chest with the pole, which was being used as a temporary goal post, while playing sport at the Beauchamps School.

He is in a stable condition at Basildon Hospital where his parents are keeping a bedside vigil.

The pole, made of plastic with a metal tip, was being used to mark a goal and it pierced the side of the boy's chest.

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Firefighters were scrambled to the school in Wickford, Essex, at 10.20am to cut down the pole with hydraulic gear.

Head teacher, Philip Bell, said: "A boy has been injured on school grounds during a PE lesson.

"The school has taken prompt action, his parents were informed immediately and we have worked with the emergency services to get the boy to hospital as quickly as possible.

"A full investigation into the circumstances around the incident involving the police - is already under way."

He added: "Our primary concern is the wellbeing of our students and we are ensuring all the pupils affected by this incident receive the support they need.

"We take health and safety extremely seriously at Beauchamps High and everyone connected with the school is shocked by this morning's events."

Fire crews revealed how they had to cut the boy free and take him to Basildon Hospital with the pole still sticking in his chest.

A spokesman for Essex Fire Service said: "The boy was impaled in the chest by a corner flag.

"Crews shorted the pole and left the boy in the care of the ambulance service. His parents were called to the school immediately."

Essex Police revealed a boy has been arrested on suspicion of assault following the incident.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "We are working with the school to ensure the pupils and staff affected by this distressing incident receive the support they need.

"We await the outcome of the school and police investigation, but are confident staff at Beauchamps High will have been adhering to national health and safety regulations."

Police officers remained at the school this afternoon after local residents revealed children were sent home following the incident.

One shop keeper said: "It is very shocking. All the children have been talking about how the boy was impaled with some kind of javelin-like pole.

"I have heard he is in quite a bad way."