THE parents of a seven-year-old boy said he was punched three times in the face and lost a tooth after being attacked by a bully at school.

Chris and Kay Turner said they were 'devastated' to receive a call from Helmshore Primary School about their son, Dylan, being attacked during his lunch break.

The pair, who said their son had been bullied for two years by his attacker, said they were angry the school had not taken steps to protect him.

They were also shocked to find both children had been put back into class together at the Gregory Fold school after the incident.

After discussing the issue with the headteacher, Christine Myers, the parents asked for the child to be removed from Dylan's class.

Mr Turner, who lives in Blackburn and runs iTouch Systems, in Rising Bridge, said Mrs Myers refused to remove the pupil because it would count as an exclusion, but instead offered to move his son to a different class.

He said: "When we got to school the pair had been put back in class and Dylan was given a 'lost my tooth at school' sticker.

"I saw my son, a scared little boy, walk into the headteacher's office with his arms by his sides, he looked me in the eye and started crying.

"He has become victim of a bullying campaign.

"Mrs Myers simply refused to implement any sanctions that would go on record, even though they are necessary to ensure the safety of my son.

"In fact when I questioned the teacher about being able to guarantee his safety, she replied 'I can't'."

School bosses confirmed the incident had taken place last Friday but refused to comment as the matter was being investigated by governors.

Police said they had been made aware of the incident but due to the children being below the age of criminal responsibility no further action would be taken.

Mr and Mrs Turner took Dylan, and their five-year-old son, Connor, out of school last Friday as they felt the school could not ensure their children's safety.

Mr Turner said: "I am obviously disgusted with the school’s response to the assault.

"The safety of our children is obviously our number one priority.

"In the absence of any more sensible suggestions, or any support from the school whatsoever, we have had no alternative but to do as she has suggested and take them out of school."

Mr Turner said Dylan had been previously been called names and picked on by the child for two years.

According to the school's anti-bullying policy, 'bullying of any kind is unacceptable and would not be tolerated in the school'.

It also states 'all incidents of bullying are taken seriously'.

Mr Turner said: "It's been such a difficult time for us all.

"We don't know what to do, it's too late to find a new school by September.

"I just want to know this won't happen again to Dylan.

"I'm not bothered what happens to the other boy.

"I've heard him tell his younger brother to run away really fast if the boy comes along, he shouldn't be doing that.

"We have run out of road. We have no where left to turn.

"Our only objective is to see our two lovely children return to school in a safe environment."

Mrs Myers, headteacher, said: "The incident that took place in school recently is a matter for the governing body to investigate.

"This process is already ongoing."