A FATHER has vowed never to let his son return to the Kidderminster school where he claims persistent bullying has driven the boy to self-harm.

Paul Cook said his 14-year-old son Danny has suffered verbal and physical abuse from up to five fellow pupils at Baxter College since joining in September.

Kidderminster Police have now spoken to the teenager over the allegations.

Acting headteacher Allan Gilhooley stressed the school - formerly Harry Cheshire High - "took every case of bullying very seriously" but declined to comment on "specific individuals".

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said it was acting as a mediator and added: "Officers are working with the family to see what the best way forward is in terms of Danny's education."

Mr Cook said: "I've withdrawn him from the school because of bullying.

"It's been physical - kicking, punching, banging his head against a radiator - and verbal." Danny Cook and dad Paul, who has withdrawn him from school.

He added: "He's started hurting himself - scratching himself - because he's so frustrated."

Danny is facing a lengthy spell of home education until another high school place is found and Mr Cook, 36, of Park Street, Kidderminster, criticised the school's handling of the case.

Mr Gilhooley said the "great majority" of bullying cases were resolved and he hoped this one would be too.

He added: "If a member of staff had witnessed an attack we would have dealt with it - by possible exclusion."

But exclusion was only used as a last resort and needed clear evidence, he said.