Head threatens legal action over misinformaton about school on social media

A headteacher has threatened legal action against anyone spreading misinformation about his school on social media.

This followed postings that suggested a pupil was searched for weapons at Nunthorpe Academy in Middlesbrough.

In a statement, head teacher Danny Yates said a student had brought “an inappropriate item” to the academy, which was removed from the site and the culprit dealt with.

“Since then there have been several allegations and reports about this situation on social media,” he said.

“Those reports have been entirely untrue and without foundation.

“We have now taken legal advice and will take action against individuals who are making defamatory statements about our academy and our students.”

The statement went on to ask anyone who had posted “potentially defamatory statements” to delete them and avoid further comment.

Mark Smulian