by Ruth Banks and Katie Lamborn

Several children have been suspended from a school in Cheriton for racially abusing other pupils.

Teachers at Pent Valley Technology College had to intervene when students started a racist chant in the playground.

It was later found that other students had been making offensive remarks on Facebook.

Headteacher Mario Citro said they dealt with the situation quickly and made it clear that behaviour would not be tolerated.

He added: "Towards the end of lunchtime, some youngsters began making racist comments and the teachers intervened very quickly and exclusions were served on a few students.

"We dealt with the issue very, very swiftly. It happened a week and a half ago and we have already moved on.

"The issue was also dealt with at a school assembly. We wanted to stress publicly that we won't tolerate that kind of behaviour.

"It was a very small number of children who were involved and we hope they've now learned their lesson."

A Kent Police spokesman said officers were not called out and there was not a riot or a disturbance.

He added: "We are aware there was an incident last week which started with some England football related chanting which turned racially abusive.

"The school dealt with this swiftly and we understand a number of students have been temporally suspended.

"Pent Valley School made Shepway's Safer School Partnership Co-ordinator, PC Fran Fryer-Kelsey, aware of the Facebook comments and she is working with the school to look into the matter.

"Action will be taken against any person who makes racist or inflammatory comments as these will not be tolerated."

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