A SCHOOL in Reading has launched an investigation after a video surfaced online of a student allegedly cutting an Israel flag down.

Maiden Erlegh School in Crescent Road, Reading, issued a statement to parents on Monday, May 18 regarding the incident.

They said they have been made aware of the video which claims to show a student using scissors to remove to flag.

Social media reports of the video also claims the school removed the pupil from class following the alleged incident.

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Stock image of a school classroom

Stock image of a school classroom

In the letter to parents, headteacher Andy Johnson said he is "continuing to investigate the matter further."

It reads: "Dear Parent/Guardian, Some of you will be aware that an incident in school yesterday has been the subject of social media comment. We are continuing to investigate the matter further, but I do need to let you know that many of the accusations that have been made about the actions and words of school staff are simply not true. This, of course, is the problem with social media; messages are posted and those reading assume that posts are correct and accurate and pass them on to others.

"I took the opportunity to share this same message with our student community this morning. We are proud of our diverse, harmonious and tolerant school community and we will continue to support one another in all we do. Harmful rumours based on falsehoods only destroy, we are determined to move forward and build each other up.

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"Thank you for your ongoing support of the school."

The Chronicle contacted the Maiden Erlegh School for a comment on the alleged incident.

Mary Davies, chief executive of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, said: "The school is now putting in support for those affected and working alongside the students so that the community can move on positively."

The school also disputes the misleading social media posts online and said 'when individuals are exposed and vilified' it causes a huge amount of distress.

Adding: "This incident, like all others, was dealt with in line with our procedures and in our usual measured and fair way."