EXCLUSIVEBy Danielle NuttallCrime CorrespondentTWO pupils are under police investigation after an alleged incident involving drugs during school lunchtime, it has been revealed.

EXCLUSIVE

By Danielle Nuttall

Crime Correspondent

TWO pupils are under police investigation after an alleged incident involving drugs during school lunchtime, it has been revealed.

The teenagers, who attend Stowupland High School, near Stowmarket, were among six people to be searched and detained by police at Stowupland Green between 1pm and 1.30pm on Friday.

Officers recovered a small quantity of drugs, believed to be Ecstasy and cannabis, and an investigation is now under way.

The pupils - a boy and a girl, both aged 15 - are undestood to be on study leave for exam revision from today and no decision has yet be made on whether they will be temporarily suspended.

Peter Richards, headteacher of the Church Road school, which has about 758 pupils, said the alleged incident had not happened on school grounds and was a matter for police.

“Two of our students are involved in a police investigation over an incident that took place on the Stowupland Green on Friday, May 9, during the school lunchtime,” he added.

“The operation was part of a community initiative which this school is supporting to ensure students are safe during school hours.

“This incident took place off school premises and is clearly a matter for the police and they are dealing with it.

“When this has been done the school will consider any implications there might be for us and we will deal with them under our appropriate policy. “This school has a very strict no drugs policy supported by an education programme in the school and disciplinary sanctions.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police confirmed officers from Stowmarket had detained and searched six people at Stowupland Green.

“A small quantity of drugs, believed to be cannabis and Ecstasy, were recovered. Two of those searched, a boy and a girl, both aged 15, were pupils at Stowupland High School,” she added.

Inspector Jon Brighton, of Suffolk police, said the incident followed a initiative between police and Stowupland High School aimed at keeping pupils safe while at school.

“I would urge any parent who has concerns that their child may be experimenting with drugs to contact their local beat officer. They can be assured that any information they provide will be treated with sensitivity,” he added.

Anyone with information about drug misuse should contact Suffolk police's special hotline Operation Crackdown on 0800 253253.

danielle.nuttall@eadt.co.uk