Security is to be reviewed at Harris City Technology College after a man walked on to the premises and assaulted a teacher.

The attack has prompted the school’s headteacher to release CCTV images of a man seen walking through the reception area in an appeal for help.

Headteacher Dan Moynihan appealed to the public for help in tracing the man following the attack, which happened at around 1.30pm on Thursday, March 24 – the last day of term before the Easter holidays.

The teacher, who does not want to be named, had been outside the school in Maberley Road, Upper Norwood, ensuring pupils safely left the site.

It is unclear exactly what sparked the unprovoked attack but it is thought the man may have been involved in an argument with a pupil off the school grounds.

The man waited until pupils had left before assaulting the teacher. As the shocked member of staff tried to walk away the man continued his attack.

The teacher eventually broke free and was able to make his way back into the school to safety.

Mr Moynihan said: “I came into the staff room to wish everyone a nice Easter when I was told about what happened. My immediate reactions were for the well-being of the teacher involved.

“I just don’t know why this happened, we haven’t got to the bottom of it.

“Thankfully the teacher involved is fine. He is a tough and resilient character, so I suppose we are quite lucky that this happened to him and not anyone else.” He added: “Luckily none of the children saw what happened, that could have been a very disturbing experience for them.” More than two weeks on, Mr Moynihan says his immediate sense of shock has now turned to anger.

He said: “We are all very angry. If this gentleman had some grievance with the school or any of our pupils, his behaviour has been far worse than the behaviour of anyone at our school.

“His behaviour was scandalous.” The incident has prompted the school to review security to ensure the safety of staff and pupils.

Mr Moynihan said: “Most schools use CCTV cameras. People can see the cameras which stops them from coming into the school and doing things like this, it’s a good deterrent.

“We will now be installing further CCTV cameras.” Police have confirmed they are currently investigating the incident and have asked anyone with information to con- tact Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111.