THE headteacher of a troubled Burnley school has moved to reassure parents after an outbreak of violence between pupils.

Headteacher Gill Broom has spoken for the first time about last Friday's violence, which saw Ayaaz Darr, 16, and Amanat Yousaf, attacked in a racist incident at Hameldon Community College.

Ayaaz was hit on the back of the head with a baseball bat by an intruder at the school.

After Ayaaz had been escorted to a school office for treatment, another boy punched Amanat and he suffered a seizure.

In a letter to parents, Mrs Broom says the "isolated incident was quickly and effectively handled by members of the college staff".

She also says that the Byron Street college "maintained a calm, learning environment throughout the afternoon."

The families of both Ayaaz, who is captain of the school cricket team, and Amanat, have spoken of their concerns about the youngsters' security.

Mrs Broom's letter adds: "I would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that the safety and security of all students is of paramount importance to us."

She says that Hameldon has made significant progress since it was placed in special measures by education watch-dog Ofsted in March. School attendance, in the three days since the incident, has falen from 52 per cent on Monday to 25 per cent on Tuesday.

Education officials were unable to give a precise figure on what the rate was yesterday - the last official day of term - but it was thought to have been low again.

Following the low attendances, education welfare officers conducted a truancy sweep, backed by police, but only a "very small" number of youngsters were stopped on the streets.

The school will re-open again, after the Christmas holidays, on January 7.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "A number of meetings have been scheduled concerning Hameldon Community College during the Christmas break. All issues raised by last Friday's incident will be reviewed.

"The reasons for non attendance this week will be discussed with the students concerned when they return in January."