Police have launched an investigation after a schoolboy was blinded when his eye was hit with a biro during a freak accident.

Haydn Smith was told by doctors sight in his left eye was irretrievable after a pen ruptured his retina at the Malling School.

The 15-year-old’s mother Michelle says her son’s hopes of becoming a carpenter have now been dashed.

The mother-of-six said: “Haydn’s eye was bleeding from inside and he couldn’t open it. The whole of his eye was black.

“He went to A and E and they said he had to have an emergency operation so he was transferred to London the following day. It has been horrendous.”

Mrs Smith has removed her son, who has learning difficulties, from the Beech Road school while he prepares to retake year 10 in September.

The 41-year-old added: “He has gone blind in one eye.

“He isn’t even a shadow of his former self. He has no confidence anymore.”

Carl Roberts, headmaster, said: “Staff at the school have been working hard to support Haydn and his mother through this difficult time.

“Our sympathies are with all pupils involved in this terrible event and we will continue to do all we can to support Haydn and other pupils affected by it.”

A spokesman for Kent Police confirmed the incident was being routinely investigated and inquiries were ongoing.