RIDGEWAY headteacher Christ-opher Walton has launched an investigation into a fight outside the school that saw two pupils taken to hospital.

Police are patrolling outside the school this week to make sure trouble does not flare up again.

At the end of school on Friday a group of men arrived in two cars and attacked a number of pupils.

But Mr Walton says he is doing everything he can to ensure all Ridgeway's pupils are safe.

He said: "I can confirm there was an incident outside the school at the end of the school day.

"We understand this may involve some people not connected with the school.

"We also understand two pupils from this school were taken to hospital by their parents following the incident.

"The matter is being investigated by the police and we are conducting our own internal investigation."

He added: "I can reassure parents and the community that even though this was an unfortunate incident there's no lack of safety with pupils leaving school at the end of the day.

"All measures are being taken to ensure pupils go home safely."

But some parents fear another fight is waiting to happen and they don't want their children caught up in the violence. Many parents are thinking of keeping their children at home until the school can confirm all the pupils will be safe.

A 33-year-old woman, who did not want to be identified, has two sons at the school aged 14 and 15 and both were caught up in the violence, one suffering a broken jaw.

She said: "My boys went to school as normal but after half an hour they phoned me to say come and get them because they were told the same thing was going to happen again.

"I went straight to the school and saw the headteacher."

She added: "I'm not going to send my children to school if it's not safe.

"I have spoken to the education department and told them I will be keeping my children at home until they can guarantee they will be protected. I said I would home tutor them if I had to and they have given me a number to call.

"Obviously I would prefer it if they were in school but not if it's not safe.

"The parents and the school need to battle this together."

Another mum, 41, who also wanted to remain anonymous said: "My 15-year-old son was beaten up on Thursday and I went to see the headteacher at 8.30am on Friday.

"I told Mr Walton that this was deplorable and I told him that something was going to happen later that day, the kids all knew it was going to happen.

"But he said there was just the odd pocket of trouble going on."

A 37-year-old parent, who asked not be named, says she warned the school that a fight could break out.

"I spoke to the governors in February telling them something was going to happen," she said.

Parents are now hoping to arrange a meeting with Mr Walton and the school governors by the end of the week. Swindon Police are now appealing for witnesses.

Police spokeswoman, Alvina Kumar, said: "Yesterday Swindon police recorded an allegation of assault, resulting from the fracas outside the school on Friday.

"Police officers will be patrolling the area, particularly at the end of the school day, as part of the investigation and community reassurance."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Tony Miles at Swindon police on 0845 408 7000.