A SCHOOLBOY suffered a broken arm after allegedly being attacked with a hammer by a fellow pupil during a lesson.

A 14-year-old boy from Darwen Moorland High School has been suspended and is to be questioned by police.

And today the mother of the injured boy said she hoped whoever was responsible for the injury was dealt with appropriately and permanently excluded from school.

She said: "I felt awful having the police involved but something needs to be done before someone ends up being more seriously injured."

The alleged victim, also 14, suffered a break in two places on his right elbow and has been told to avoid playing sports for a number of weeks until it heals.

Detective Sergeant Mark Vaughton, of Darwen CID, said: "The incident allegedly involved two 14-year-old lads who were in a class at the school. We understand one was hit on the elbow with a hammer by his classmate who asked if it had hurt. When he said no' he was hit again and the second blow broke his arm and he had to go to hospital.

"The boy believed to be responsible for the attack has been suspended from school and we will be speaking to him this week.

"It was a nasty attack but it is not thought the hammer was taken into school with a view to assaulting someone. As far as we are aware it was a hammer used in the woodwork class and it was not planned.

"He will be dealt with appropriately."

Headteacher Gareth Dawkins said he could not comment on the details of the incident or what would happen to the boy but he added: "If this allegation is substantiated, the school will take the strongest possible action."

But the alleged victim's mum, who lives in the Marsh House area of Darwen, said she hoped the teenager would not be allowed to return to school.

She said: "Whether it was just a silly prank that went wrong or not children should not be going around hitting each other with hammers.

"The school told me they have to wait to see what the police charge this lad with before they can decide whether he will be permanently excluded.

"If he came back to school and started fighting I'd be worried my son may retaliate and get himself into trouble."

The incident happened less than three weeks after it was revealed Ofsted inspectors criticised the way some teachers at the school are failing to control certain male pupils.

Darwen Moorland is set to be replaced by a 1,200-place academy due to open on the current site in 2007 before switching to its new site in Redearth Road around Easter 2008.

Coun Dave Hollings, executive member for education and lifelong learning at Blackburn with Darwen Coucnil, said he could not comment directly on the incident because it was a matter for the school, but added: "I am satisfied that the school and the police are dealing with the matter appropriately."

Darwen MP Janet Anderson said: "This is very worrying and my thoughts are very much with the family of the injured boy but I am sure the school in conjunction with the police will take any necessary action."