A science teacher has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a boy of 14 and two other pupils were hurt at a Nottinghamshire school.

Pupil Jack Waterhouse is said to be in a serious condition in hospital following the incident at All Saints' Roman Catholic School in Mansfield.

Science teacher Peter Harvey, 49, is being held in police custody.

Detectives have been granted extra time, until 2015 BST on Friday, in which to question him.

Det Supt Adrian Pearson said a weapon was used and there were a "number of witnesses".

'Condition improved'

Police said the incident took place at the school in Broomhill Lane on Wednesday.

Jack was taken to King's Mill Hospital but transferred to Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham where his condition is described as very serious.

Nottinghamshire County Council, the local education authority, said Jack's condition "slightly improved" overnight.

Police said the two other children who were assaulted were well enough to return home on Wednesday evening.

The school has declined to comment "at this time".

Jack's family released a photograph of him through Nottinghamshire Police and asked that their privacy was respected.

All Saints' School opened in 1974 and has 1,170 pupils on the roll, including a sixth form of 200 along with a teaching staff of more than 70.

The school, a specialist performing arts college since 2002, describes itself on its website as, "a lively, Catholic comprehensive school with a very special, warm ethos which is recognised by all who visit".

At a news conference Mr Pearson said: "Obviously the whole class is traumatised by what has happened.

"People send their children here from great distances because of its academic record and what happened is very much out of character for the school.

"I know a number of parents have rung the headteacher about what has happened but I would appeal for everyone to be calm, particularly in relation to those people involved."

In a statement Nottinghamshire County Council said: "An incident involving a pupil at All Saints' School occurred.

"The student was injured and has been taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment. The parents of the pupil involved have been informed.

"The matter is currently being investigated and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment while the investigation is ongoing."


BBC NEWS | UK | England | Nottinghamshire | 'Pupil murder bid' teacher held