A school principal has said pupils safety is being taken “extremely seriously” following an attack on a student last week.

Police were called to Southend Road, Rainham, last Thursday at about 3.20pm to reports of a 15-year-old boy suffering from a stab wound to his thigh.

He was taken to hospital for treatment but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening and was later discharged.

Stuart McLaughlin, principal of The Brittons Academy, says the school is liaising with police during the investigation.

He said: “We were very concerned about the incident last week in which a boy from The Brittons Academy was hurt on his way home from school by a group of much older youths who do not attend the Academy and who have no association with Brittons.

“This kind of incident is very rare and we take the safety of our pupils extremely seriously.

“We are in close contact with the pupil concerned and are offering support to him and his family.

“We are pleased that he is making a good recovery.

“I’d like to thank my staff, students and the local community who gave such excellent support for this student at the time.”

Five teenagers – one aged 15, two 17 and two 16 – were shortly arrested after the incident in Mungo Park Road, Rainham.

All were arrested on suspicion of GBH and taken into custody at an east London police station.

They were later bailed to return in April pending further enquiries.

On February 26, another 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of GBH and bailed until April pending further enquiries.

Enquiries by detectives from Havering Borough CID continue.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information can call DC Jonathan Lam at Havering CID via 101. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.