A FEMALE school worker has been suspended after a parent was allegedly assaulted during an after-school club outing.

Marsden Primary School, Percy Street, Nelson, is investigating the allegation against the staff member, who is not a teacher, after father-of-two Mohammed Irfan Bukhari claimed that she punched him in the face in front of his children.

The school confirmed that the worker had been suspended pending a full investigation. Mr Bukhari, 31, of Walton Lane, Nelson, said he took his five-year-old son, Sultan, and seven-year-old daughter, Aiza, to an outdoor activity night at Waddow Hall, Clitheroe, when the incident occurred on June 17.

The event had been organised as part of a fathers’ club run by Marsden Primary, where members of staff from the school supervise group outings.

More than 50 parents and children from primary schools across Nelson attend the club. Mr Bukhari’s children attend Holy Saviours R C Primary School off Reedyford Road.

Mr Bukhari, a motor mechanic, said: “The children had been grass sledging and at the end, one member of staff asked them to pick up the sledges from the bottom of the hill and carry them up.

“Because time was getting on, me and another father said we would get two sledges each and we asked the member of staff to get the other remaining one."

He said words were exchanged and he was punched in the face “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the blood dripping down from my nose.

Mr Bukhari’s wife, Nazieem, 28, said: “We have made a formal complaint to Marsden Primary School where the person works.

“We didn’t sleep for days afterwards.

“I wrote to the chair of govenors two weeks ago and I have not had a reply yet.”

Emma Whaling, acting head of Marsden Community Primary School, said: "An employee of the school has been suspended pending investigations into allegations that have been made, in accordance with normal procedures.

"A number of parents and community members have discussed this matter with me.

“No one has expressed any concern that this was racially motivated."

The school refused to identify the woman involved.

County Councillor Vali Patel, cabinet member for schools, said: "I am aware of allegations that have been made regarding an employee of the school, and that the school is investigating these allegations in line with their responsibility to do so.

“As a county council we are providing the school with support in the form of expert advice and guidance."

Coun Mohammed Iqbal, leader of the Labour party, said: “Clearly I was shocked to learn about the incident especially as it is alleged to have taken place in front of children.

“But I am not aware of the full circumstances surrounding it.

“I am sure whatever appropriate action needs to be taken will be taken.

“The school generally has a good reputation in Nelson.

“This is the first time I have heard about such an incident and hopefully the last time.”

Parents at the school said they were unaware of the incident.

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