A PUPIL at a Torfaen school faces exclusion after jabbing fellow pupils with a needle.

Between 30 and 40 children at West Monmouth school, Pontypool, have had to visit their GP for hepatitis B blood tests following the attack.

The 15-year-old boy, who lives in the Pontypool area, has been suspended from school.

The school's head, Peter Philips, told the Argus the matter was being taken very seriously.

"He is currently not attending school, and his parents are discussing his education with the LEA," said Mr Philips.

He added: "At the moment the consequences for him are very dire, and exclusion has not been ruled out."

The boy started jabbing fellow pupils with a sewing needle during the lunch break, and carried on with the same needle on the school bus as pupils went home.

The incident happened on Friday, January 30, though the school was not made aware until the following Monday. Letters were sent home to parents the next day.

Lee Parry, 14, was one of those who was assaulted. He was tested for hepatitis B on Friday. His father, David Parry, told the Argus he was angry about the school's response.

"We didn't get our letter until Thursday, and there was nothing in it to point out that Lee should have a blood test," said Mr Parry.

He added: "I think this was a little lax - it should have been made clear that a blood test was needed."

The letter refers to the assault, and states parents should "maybe seek medical advice".

"I am very angry about this - I can't believe how stupid that boy is," added Mr Parry.

He continued: "It just goes to show that no matter what's being said about the dangers of HIV, some children aren't taking it in."

Mr Philips underlined the fact that the public health authority had not found it necessary to test for HIV.

Explaining the school's letter, he added: "It was made clear to me by the nurse practitioner involved she would be contacting GPs and advising of the necessary blood test. I was told this was not a matter I should advise on in the letter.

"However, I gathered all the pupils involved in the hall and told them they should see their GP."