Central Otago police are investigating the alleged assault of a school pupil after a video of the incident was posted online.
The video, which has been viewed by the Otago Daily Times, shows a teenager hitting a younger child several times. It is understood it has been shared widely online, and police said they were ''working to have the footage removed''.
Cromwell College principal Mason Stretch said the incident was alleged to have involved a Cromwell College pupil and a younger pupil.
''I understand that the assault happened after school, off school grounds between a student who attends our school and a student from a local primary school. Because of this it is a matter for the police to investigate and take action on.''
Mr Stretch said the school was ''very concerned'' by the incident and staff had been made aware of the video and were monitoring students to ensure they were ''supported and kept safe''.
He did not answer questions about whether the Cromwell College pupil had faced any disciplinary action, or whether the school knew of other incidents involving that pupil.
Sergeant Bruce Terry, of Cromwell, said police had spoken to a number of witnesses and, along with other agencies, were working with the families of those involved.
''While this is an ongoing investigation, and in order to protect the identities of the young people involved, it is not appropriate to comment further,'' Sgt Terry said.
He said it was disappointing that ''a video of this nature'' was being shared through social media and police were working to have the footage removed.
''We ask members of the public to consider the individuals' privacy and not to share the post or posts of this nature further, which may cause further harm to the victims.''
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Cromwell police on (03) 445-1999, extension 34500.
The Otago Daily Times was unable to contact the family of the alleged victim in the video.
