Newsroom
Larnaca police are investigating a troubling incident involving an 8-year-old boy who was seriously injured at his primary school last Thursday. The boy’s injury has raised concerns about safety protocols within the school premises and has led to potential legal action from his family.
What Happened
The incident unfolded during recess when the young boy, along with his classmates, attempted to help a friend who was being bullied. In a rush to reach the first floor from the ground floor, the group encountered an unforeseen danger. According to reports, a piece of glass from a toilet door shattered, injuring the boy severely.
Immediate action was taken as a teacher nearby provided first aid to the bleeding child. He was rushed to Larnaca General Hospital and later transferred to Makarios Hospital for further treatment.
Legal Actions and Safety Concerns
The boy's family is considering legal action against the school, claiming that safety measures were not properly enforced. They are questioning why the children were allowed in an area that should have been off-limits, and why adequate precautions were not in place to prevent such incidents.
Adding to the distress, there have been allegations of bullying within the school, although it has been clarified that the injured boy was not the target of this behavior.
Police Report and Response
According to Spyros Chrysostomou, spokesman for the Larnaca Police Department, the father reported the incident to the police on Saturday, October 19. He expressed dissatisfaction with how the school administration handled the situation.
"The father has been asked to bring the child to the police in the coming days for an audio-visual statement," Chrysostomou said. "This will help us understand exactly what happened and how to address the incident."
Both the Ministry of Education and the school have been notified of the complaint.
Official Statements
Erni Sismani, head of the Educational Psychology Service at the Ministry of Education, described the incident as "very serious." He confirmed that the Ministry is investigating the matter thoroughly.
"This is a sensitive issue that deserves careful attention from all involved," Sismani stated. He also noted that there had been no prior reports of bullying related to the school.
As investigations continue, the Larnaca community is left grappling with concerns over safety and bullying within local schools, raising important questions about how to ensure the well-being of all students.