Teaching Assistant dies after being hit with chair by pupil in Wales

A 31-YEAR-OLD teaching assistant has died after reportedly being hit with a chair in an incident involving a pupil.

A source close to the Ysgol Bryn Castell in Bryncethin in Bridgend, Wales, said the staff member had been struck with a chair last week.

The man was found dead at his home on Sunday morning (December 1) and a post-mortem examination is due to take place later today to try and establish the cause of his death.

The school, which is a special school for 147 pupils aged 7 to 19, has been shut today whilst investigations are carried out by the police.

South Wales Police were unable to confirm details but said in a statement: “Police in Bridgend are investigating the unexplained death of a 31-year-old man who was found dead at a property in the Brackla area on Sunday morning.”

Councillor Charles Smith, cabinet member for education and regeneration at Bridgend Council said: “There was an incident with a pupil earlier in the week and the teacher has died later. The school is closed today while investigations are made and police are involved. Our first concern is the welfare of the teacher’s family. Pupils are getting support.”

Bridgend Council has also released a statement which said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the member of staff at this difficult time. Ysgol Bryn Castell School is currently closed and we’re unable to provide any further information at this time.”