14:52, 11 JAN 2016 UPDATED 14:53, 11 JAN 2016 BY JOHN FERGUSON


Terrified Scots schoolkids attacked in Calais after stumbling into clashes between immigrants and French police

THE teenage pupils were returning from a ski trip in Italy when they stumbled into the angry clashes between immigrants and the French authorities.

A COACH party of Scots schoolkids was attacked at Calais after stumbling into angry clashes between immigrants and French police, it has emerged.

The Record yesterday revealed how youngsters from Portree High School were left terrified when their bus was besieged and a window broken.

The pupils, aged between 13 and 17, and seven adults, had been returning from a week-long ski trip in the Italian resort of Aosta .

No one was injured but one child suffered an epileptic seizure in the aftermath and had to be taken to hospital.

A source said: “Most of the pupils had been sleeping when the incident happened and it was very dark.

“There had been an ongoing demonstration between police and immigrants close to the ferry port at Calais and the bus had to drive through the melee.

“Some sort of missile was thrown and the outer pane of a double glazed window was broken.

“After the driver has navigated through the demonstration he has contacted the police and the party has been met at border control where statements were taken.

“The party is now home safe and well after what was a great skiing trip.”

The Record understands everyone is now home except for the pupil who suffered a seizure, and an adult who stayed behind with them.

The youngster received medical treatment and is now also heading back to Portree.

In recent days French police have fired tear gas as battles have erupted in the Calais migrant camp known as the jungle.

Fights have broke out between groups of refugees and local right wing organisations opposed to the settlement.

According to reports Molotov cocktails were thrown last week as police tried to separate the groups using rubber bullets, tear gas and concussion grenades.

More than 1,000 migrants are currently hoping to swap squalor for new beds in shipping containers.

Authorities want to demolish the most squalid parts of the Jungle and rehouse refugees in the converted metal transport container.

Bill Alexander, Highland Council’s Director of Care and Learning said: “We were alerted to the incident yesterday and parents were informed.

“This was an unfortunate episode to the end of what was otherwise a very successful school ski trip. All those on the trip have returned safely.”

Portree High School, Head Teacher Catherine MacDonald added: “Everyone has returned home safe and sound from what was a fantastic ski trip with snowsports certificates under their belts.

“No one was injured as a result of the incident at Calais which was efficiently dealt with by our coach operator.”

Listen to local councilor Drew Millar with the latest on the incident: Terrified Scots schoolkids attacked in Calais after stumbling into clashes between immigrants and French police - Daily Record