Girl, 13, knifed in school playground in row with boy

A girl of 13 has been stabbed in a school playground in a fight with another pupil.

She suffered injuries to her leg and chest after being attacked with a craft knife her assailant had taken from the art department at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Secondary School in Camberwell, London.

A 14-year-old boy, also a pupil at Sacred Heart, was later arrested. He has been bailed by police and suspended by the school.

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The girl and her attacker are believed to have arranged to meet after lessons ended yesterday to settle a "personal" dispute. Sources said the confrontation followed a series of rows between the pair.

Teenagers had claimed the girl was attacked as she is the girlfriend of a 16-year-old gang member caught up in a dispute over drugs.

However, police said later there was no evidence that gangs or drugs were involved in the stabbing.

The girl was treated in hospital for her wounds and received stitches but was released later in the day.

Teachers at the school in Camberwell New Road informed pupils of the incident today as most of the children were on the other side of the building when the attack happened and were told to go home.

Parents with children at the 667-pupil school - which specialises in foreign languages and was described as "outstanding" by Ofsted a year ago - today spoke of their shock.

"It's a lovely school," said one mother. "I've not heard of any trouble before. Everyone is very nice and my son is really happy there."

Headteacher Sally Coates said a boy had been suspended after cutting a girl with a craft knife he had taken from the art department.

Ms Coates refused to comment on what caused the fight, adding: "We are still investigating. What I can tell you is that it was a minor disagreement between pupils which got out of hand. I am shocked and appalled but it has got absolutely nothing to do with gangs or drugs."

Ms Coates said the girl was now at home and her injuries were "superficial, they just needed a few stitches".

"She is fine - I've spoken to her this morning. The boy is obviously suspended from school, pending the investigation."

Ms Coates said the school's policies would be reviewed as a result of the incident but stressed the boy had not brought a weapon onto the premises. "He is not that kind of boy," she said.

Detective Chief Inspector David Ainscough, from Southwark CID, said: "We are working closely with the school to establish the full circumstances of this incident which we are treating as a dispute between two pupils.

"This type of incident is unacceptable and is being thoroughly investigated. I would urge anyone with information to contact police."

Statistics have revealed that on average five children are being injured in gun and knife attacks in London every day.

Southwark education authority declined to comment on the stabbing of the girl, saying it was a police matter.

Anyone with information should call Southwark Police on 020 7232 6145 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.