5 people have been arrested following the footage circulating on social media which shows a black schoolgirl repeatedly punched, kicked and having her braids pulled outside Thomas Knyvett College in Ashford, Surrey on Monday.
The police have described the attack as a “racially aggravated” attack.
The video clip shows the black school teenager, being kicked, and punched while onlookers are shouting “kick her in the face”.
The police have arrested a 39-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, as well as three girls aged 16, 11 and 10 in connection with the incident.
The police have also reached out to a sixth suspect, that is believed to be involved in the incident – a 15-year-old girl.
In response to the incident, thousands of people have signed a Change.org petition.
People are asking that the headteacher Richard Beeson be fired, including Michaela Coel who uploaded the video to Twitter
A young black girl was hunted and beaten up by many children outside @THOMASKNYVETT school in Ashford
— Michaela Coel (@MichaelaCoel) February 8, 2023
No member of the public, not even the head teacher Mr. Richard Beeson tried to stop it. He should be fired.
March today 8th January, 2.30pm. pic.twitter.com/iHVjLYgY8p
Michaela relayed her frustration on Twitter where she said,
A young black girl was hunted and beaten up by many children outside @THOMASKNYVETT
school in Ashford No member of the public, not even the head teacher Mr. Richard Beeson tried to stop it. He should be fired. March today 8th January, 2.30pm.
Michaela Coel
It is an almost unorthographic life.
Dozens attend a protest at the school on Wednesday afternoon including parents whose children attend.
The victim’s cousin, Ange Elliott, who drove from Northampton to the school also join others in the protest.
The executive principal of the Howard Partnership Trust, Philip Wheatley, was in attendance, acting as a spokesperson on behalf of the school.