Two students have been suspended from a high school after copies of the Quran were brought into the school and desecrated in front of other students.

The incidents, of which there were two, took place last week, and staff at the school say the police are now involved, with the decision on whether to charge the students lying with the Crown Prosecution Service.

In a letter dated June 13, which has been seen by the Lancashire Telegraph, officials from Fulwood Academy in Preston stated: "For reasons that we are yet to fully understand, it appears that two students from different year groups brought copies of the Quran to the school, and desecrated the holy book in front of a number of other students.

"Actions such as this are abhorrent and have no place in any community.

"We immediately notified the police and prevent, and we have been working closely with them over the last few days.

"They have started their own processes of looking into these appalling incidents.

"While we do not know what the outcome of that process will be, as we understand it, chargin decisions for issues like this lie with the Crown Prosecution Service rather than the police. 

"This means it is likely to take longer to conclude."

The school confirmed that both students had been suspended while the investigations got under way and sanctions from the school were to be reviewed and determined once the police had concluded their work.

Fulwood Academy strives to develop a culture of respect, and school bosses stated that while ramifications were needed for those involved, it was vital that staff and students at the school understood what caused the acts, which they say they have 'never seen in our school before'.

The letter continued: "We are working with the police and have already contacted all the appropriate authorities. Above all however we have reached out to local Imams to ask for their support in helping us respond to this.

"We are deeply aware that we need to heal the hurt that has undoubtedly been caused and look at what we can do to support all members of the Fulwood Academy community."

A spokesperson for the police said: "We are aware of two isolated incidents which took place earlier this week and we are working closely with the school to address these matters. Our enquiries are very much ongoing.

"Everyone in our county should be allowed to live their lives free from harassment and the fear of hate crime.

"Hate crime causes great distress to its victims and we are committed to investigating all crimes and incidents motivated by hate, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice."