Pictures courtesy Colin Lemmon

A boy from Ashford is recovering in hospital after being impaled by a javelin at school yesterday.

Norton Knatchbull pupil Ed Stuckey, 14, became impaled through the shoulder on the field and track spear and had to be rushed to hospital by air ambulance.

The incident is thought to have happened during a PE lesson yesterday afternoon.

Headteacher at the Hythe Road school Susanne Staab said: "My main concern was to make sure Ed was cared for and transferred to hospital as soon as possible.

"I would like to praise the immediate response and actions of our first aiders and the emergency services. They were superb and I cannot thank them enough."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were on the scene and used a small hydraulic hand tool - usually used to free people trapped in cars - to cut the bulk of the javelin away from the child's body.

She continued: "The students, who were on the school field at the time, acted in a very mature and responsible manner, as I would expect of them.

"I met the family that afternoon and have kept in contact with them. Everyone at the school sends their best wishes to him for a speedy and full recovery and we are pleased that he is doing well after hospital treatment."

Ms Staab added: "My attention is now turned to establishing what happened and this is an absolute priority."