Police and teachers have moved to calm fears of racial violence between pupils at an Ashford school.

Extra patrols have been seen outside the North School this week following reports of a confrontation between groups of Nepalese and English youths in a town centre park last week.

North School head teacher Lesley Ellis admitted there had been an incident involving pupils away from the school that was dealt with by the police.

Ch Insp John Frayne, said: “At this time it seems that alleged threats between youths outside school premises have led to disturbing rumours, none of which have been substantiated.

“I would ask parents to support the community partnership in dispelling such rumours and diffusing problems between their children.”

Mrs Ellis added: “There are all sorts of rumours about racial tension which are not true.

"You always get groups of children that stick together in all schools. We are managing the problem and the whole school is under surveillance.”

The tension has been fuelled by comments posted on social networking websites.

One North School pupil’s father claimed his son had been threatened with a knife.

For full story, see this week's Kentish Express