THE parents of a schoolgirl who claim their daughter had a chunk of her finger bitten off by bullies have vowed to teach her at home until the problem is dealt with.

Nicholas and Caroline Cook want serious action taken after 13-year-old Kelly was attacked after leaving Elgar High School.

Other parents have spoken of a catalogue of violent incidents at the Bilford Road school, which has been granted technology college status. They claim bullying is rife.

"I want teachers at the school to sort out this bullying because these kids need to be taught they can't just go out and assault someone," said Mr Cook, of Saddlers Walk.

"We sent our kids to school to learn, not to be attacked."

Mrs Cook added: "At the end of the day I don't want these kids dragged through the courts, I just want the school to teach them it's wrong to assault other children."

Third-year student Kelly claimed she was assaulted by two girls and a boy, who she said lashed out in an argument over a camera.

She was given antibiotics for the bite at Ronkswood Hospital. Two fingers on her hand were strapped up.

Worcester police are investigating her claims.

Other parents on the same housing estate as the family have described the abuse their children have suffered at the school.

One young girl said she had been pelted with stones by older boys, followed around and pushed.

"It's like banging you head against a brick wall trying to get something done about the bullying," said her mum, who did not want to be named.

"We want these kids to be suspended or expelled so they realise they've done wrong."

Headteacher Graham Watts said Kelly's case was being investigated and the school would co-operate with police.

"All schools suffer from some kind of bullying but we have a very robust policy to any attack," he added.

"We have been commended in the past by Ofsted inspectors for our anti-bullying policies."