Guardian of schoolgirl, 13, attacked by students concerned such attacks are being filmed for online content

The legal guardian of a 13-year-old girl who was set upon by a gang of students from her school in the Rochdale borough has spoken out about his concerns that such attacks are being filmed for social media.

William Howarth is the legal guardian of his younger half-sister, 13, who was dragged to the ground and kicked in the head by other pupils – both male and female.

Rochdale Online has chosen not to name the student or the school due to safeguarding concerns.

The girl was attacked by a number of students after leaving school at the end of the day.

The attack was subsequently filmed and shared via various social media platforms, sparking concern that such attacks are being carried out purely for social media ‘clout’.

After speaking with other parents and guardians, Mr Howarth said similar attacks have been a regular thing.

He said: “They humiliated, tortured and beat her; it was an unprovoked attack. Lads as well [as girls].

“I believe this was created solely for content on the internet. Other students have also come forward with the same issues.

“Two witnesses contacted me with video footage. The school identified them all and suspended most.”

When a crime is reported, police must ask if the victim wants to write a statement about how the crime has affected them, which can be later used in court.

Despite numerous attempts to report the incident to the police, Mr Howarth says they refused to come and take a statement from his sister or collect evidence.

Mr Howarth also contacted the council, who told him to contact the education provider.

He added: “I made a police complaint to the IOPC. They’ve not spoken to anyone or tried to retrieve footage even though we had names of the pupils. I emailed the officers, rang 101, went to Rochdale police station and GMP HQ.

“My sister was a victim of crime, and they closed the case twice without taking a statement.

“They said no suspects were identified. I’ve been told police have taken no further action with 12 group assaults at the school since Christmas.”

Bravely, the victim has returned to school after the incident and spoke to Sky News about the impact the incident had on her.

Mr Howarth added: “It’s clear the kids know they’ll get a few days in isolation and a few days suspended. After seeing the videos of my sister taking multiple kicks to the head, I’m concerned a child will die.”

As a result, Mr Howarth is now leading an anti-bullying campaign through his organisation Parents Against Grooming UK.

He said: “I’m looking for ideas and people to be involved in raising mass awareness and education for children and parents about the dangers of bullying and mass beatings and limit the online content.

“No child should be scared to go to school.”

He added: “My sister is recovering. I’m so proud of her for standing up to those who attacked her and wanting to prevent it happening to anyone else.”

A representative for the school said: “These stories will, of course, concern families who are part of our school community.

“Mutual respect, positive behaviour, and high standards are central to everything we do. In cases where members of our school community fall short of the expectations of leadership, staff, students and their families, nationally guided procedures are followed.

“The incidents referenced by Sky News are subject to ongoing enquiries either by the school or a third party.

“As a result, we won't be providing further comment on those at this time.

"We take extremely seriously our duty of care to our young people and our local community. As such, staff have a high visibility presence within the school grounds and the immediate vicinity of - before, during and after school.

“We have processes in place to ensure a robust response to disclosures made regarding the safety of students and our post-incident procedure includes the administration of first aid by trained members of staff where necessary.”

Steve Kay, the council’s assistant director for early help and schools, said: “We have been in touch with the school about this incident and visited to offer our support. As the matter is being investigated by the police we would urge anyone with information to contact them so that appropriate action can be taken.”

A spokesperson for GMP said: “In order to disclose any detail relating to an ongoing investigation involving minors, consent would first need to be obtained from parents and guardians. This would also have to be balanced against CIPA disclosures – which comes into effect the minute an investigation is launched.

“We would also have to consider if providing said updates would interfere or prejudice an ongoing investigation, preventing the achievement of justice.

“We would encourage anyone who is subject to offences on social media that encourages violence against another human being, to have the confidence to report them immediately to GMP via 101 or 999 in an emergency.

“Greater Manchester Police is committed to investigating each and every complaint received of this nature and bringing the perpetrators to justice, because those who are inciting violence through the use of social media, are committing crimes.”