STUDENTS taking part in pre-arranged fights after school could be arrested, Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School headteacher Denis Oliver has warned.

Mr Oliver’s warning came in the school’s newsletter, where he said he had been made aware that a number of the school’s year 7 and 8 students had been arranging fights on a Friday after school at the Hermitage playground and other parks in the village.

He said: “The fights are pre-arranged and gloves are worn, however they are unsupervised, protective headgear is not worn and there are no adults, qualified or otherwise, attending.

“The police have been informed and have advised us that individuals cannot give their permission for others to fight them in such a dangerous, unsupervised environment.

“They have also informed us that individuals engaging in these fights are liable to arrest, and if they cause injury they can face serious consequences.”

To reinforce this message the school has held assemblies for all boys from year 7 to 10 to illustrate the consequences of this illegal fighting, and is also to speak to year 11 boys.

Mr Oliver added: “We are aware that boxing, when properly organised and supervised, can be a valuable way of exercising and developing self-esteem; we are therefore trying to organise an in-school boxing club, in association with a local boxing club.

“If there any parents with coaching qualifications in boxing who would like to be involved we would welcome your expression of interest.”