FIVE boys have been excluded from school following a fight at Smithills School Wednesday afternoon.

Senior teachers say they acted swiftly to break up the fight at the school say.

The school is now carrying out an investigation into the fracas which involved a group of children.

Parents have also been notified.

Julie Emmerson, Vice-Principal of Smithills School, said: "I can confirm that five pupils have been excluded pending further investigation of an altercation that happened yesterday lunchtime.

" All five involved were identified within an hour and action taken immediately.

"We are in the process of further investigation, with full parental involvement, and will take appropriate action once we have concluded this investigation.

"We are also in the process of identifying the person who filmed and distributed the video on social media; again appropriate action will be taken in respect of this pupil(s)."

She added: "Incidents such as the one that happened yesterday are rare at Smithills, but when they do happen, we always act swiftly and appropriately as has happened in this case."