Four heroic school staff who tackled a violent burglar who claimed he had a gun were today praised by police.

And lunchtime supervisor Denise Kite pursued the raider and gave police a description of him on her mobile phone.

Earlier he had knocked a woman teacher to the floor and beat a male teacher with a lump of wood at St Joseph's RC Primary School, Park Lane, Bradford.

After jailing 22-year-old Nathan Harrison for two years at Bradford Crown Court, police and the school's headteacher praised teachers for their bravery.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "With the help of the school staff, a violent burglar has now started a substantial sentence. The staff were obviously thinking about the safety of the pupils. They certainly deserve praise and our thanks."

The court heard how drug-crazed Harrison, 22, of no fixed address, was disturbed by teacher Kathryn Cox in a classroom searching the pockets of her coat.

Prosecutor Bryan Cox said when Mrs Cox challenged Harrison he ran at her, knocking her to the floor.

Mrs Cox called for help and gave chase. Harrison was found hiding in a toilet by supply teacher John Townsend and other staff.

"They tried to hold the door to the toilet shut while the police were called," said Mr Cox.

Harrison smashed a window in the door and shouted at the staff: "You're dead. I've got a gun in my bag. I've got a bullet with your name on."

He tried to hit Mr Townsend with a piece of wood, but another member of staff Nicholas Davies grabbed it from him.

Mr Cox said Harrison spat at the two teachers and shouted: "You're dead. I know your cars."

Harrison then struck Mr Townsend with another piece of wood and spat at him again.

Harrison escaped through another smashed window but was followed by Mrs Kite. She watched him at a distance, even after he threatened her.

Speaking after the case, Mrs Kite said: "I was giving a description and told the police he had black jeans."

Mrs Cox said the staff's main concern had been the safety of the children.

Harrison escaped but police recovered his fingerprint from the classroom and he was picked out on an identification parade.

Mr Cox said Mr Townsend had to wear a surgical collar for three days after the incident last November.

Harrison pleaded guilty to burglary, assault and criminal damage.

His barrister Stephen Wood said the incident was a classic case of what drugs could do to someone.

Jailing Harrison, Judge Alistair McCallum told him: "After being identified for the burglary you then went on to quite unnecessarily assault the teacher and unnecessarily cause extensive damage to the toilet."

Speaking after the case, headteacher Margaret Stichbury said: "The staff involved deserve some recognition. I was pleased not just with how those involved dealt with the situation, but with how other staff offered support."

After being sentenced Harrison swore at the judge and had to be removed from the dock by security staff.

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