Students at a school which was the scene of a violent attack today spoke up to defend it.

A 15-year-old boy was beaten unconscious outside the gates of Belle Vue Boys' School in Heaton by a group of older teenagers - including one with a baseball bat - who were not from the school.

But members of the Belle Vue Boys' student council today stressed that it was an isolated incident that in no way reflected on their school.

They said they were proud of the culture of respect at their school, and felt completely safe there.

On the day of the attack, a gang of youths had marched into the school's foyer at lunchtime.

Head teacher Bruce Berry, pictured with the student council, and other staff contained the abusive mob and ushered them off school premises.

Police were called but did not attend, after school leaders indicated the situation was under control.

Later that day a pupil was assaulted outside the school gates by the same mob, who had waited for him.

School council member Hanni Khan, who is in Year 11, said: "It wasn't actually in school where they had the fight. School is a safe place where you feel protected - it is one big family."

And fellow school council member Muddasar Hussain said: "I have been here for five years and have never felt unsafe. I don't think the publicity we have been given is in any way right. At this school, boys respect each other."

Wajid Sabir, who is in Year 10, came to Belle Vue after being permanently excluded from another comprehensive. He has settled in and was elected to a place on the school council by his classmates.

"I have found this school to be very different. You are treated nicely and with respect - it's a big family," he said.

The authorities at Belle Vue have moved to improve security since the incident and the front doors are now kept locked, with visitors having to buzz to gain admittance.

In all other respects it has been business as usual, and the pupil who was the victim of the assault was back at his desk within two days. The police are continuing to investigate the incident and have arrested and bailed a 17-year-old youth.