A schoolboy had to be rescued from a lake after he ran off from a specialist school in Ashford.

Police were alerted to the incident involving a pupil from Goldwyn School, which educates children with special educational needs.

Staff saw the child leave the school's Goldwyn Plus site in Beaver Lane yesterday morning, and followed him on foot and then in a vehicle.

The boy then made his way to Singleton Lake and deliberately entered the water.

Staff and passers-by were able to get the child out of the lake, and safely transported him back to school.

Principal Charlotte Lewis said: “One of our pupils absconded from our Goldwyn Plus site in Beaver Lane.

"The child’s parents and the police were informed and the two members of staff following the child remained in contact with colleagues at the school.

"The child made his way to Singleton Lake and, despite warnings from staff, briefly entered the water.

"Staff quickly and calmly encouraged the child to return to the edge of the water and helped him step out.

"A few members of the public, including some who were working nearby, assisted the staff members and the child was safely transported back to school.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the public who helped and to praise my staff for acting promptly, calmly and in a professional manner during what must have been an unusually challenging situation."

Teachers say the incident has been referred to all relevant authorities, including Kent County Council’s safeguarding team.

They say measures have been put in place to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing going forward, which have been supported by his parents.

A police spokesman confirmed officers were alerted to the incident but were not required to attend as the child was found to be safe and well.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

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