A MOTHER has been badly injured in an horrific hammer attack in front of parents and children at a Kent school.

It happened as families waited for their children to come out of Wincheap Primary School at Canterbury.

The assault is said to have involved three women and left the victim streaming with blood from a serious head wound.

The 45-year-old woman, from Thanington, was taken to hospital where her treatment included 17 stitches for the cuts.

One parent, who witnessed the incident, said: "The woman was quite brazenly carrying a hammer and it seemed that others were trying to hold her back. But she really went for this other mother who was obviously injured because you could see the blood.

"She was eventually dragged away and the police arrived. But it was very frightening."

The assault happened shortly after 3pm on Friday as parents gathered at the school to collect their children. The reason for the attack is unclear but some parents said a confrontation was brewing in the morning as children were dropped off at school.

Head teacher Val Clough said: "An argument between two parents escalated as parents were congregating to collect their children.

"Due to the rapid response of staff, the incident was soon under control and all parties removed from the public area. At no time were our pupils in danger.

"This sort of incident has never happened before at the school but staff will remain vigilant to ensure the continued safety of all our pupils."

Police say that three women were arrested on suspicion of assault. They are a 44-year-old from Hersden, and a 25-year-old and 39-year-old from Canterbury. They have all been bailed until January 5.

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