Institute.

They were confronted by about 100 children on a field at the front of the school.

It is believed three or four students were fighting and teachers needed help in controlling the flare-up.

One 15-year-old St. George's student was arrested after he allegedly picked up a pedal cycle and lashed out at a teacher.

Police from a variety of units, including Traffic and the Task Force, responded to the disturbance which broke out at about 1 p.m. yesterday.

Officers blocked all entrances with their vehicles and closed school gates, causing traffic to back up on St. John's and Berkeley Roads.

They turned back two non-students on an auxiliary cycle who squeezed past a Police car on to the property.

Several Island Wide Security personnel appeared shortly after Police arrived, contacting their two on-site staff members.

Principal Michelle Gabisi told The Royal Gazette : "As you can see I have just arrived. I will have to find out what happened. I have to go.'' She could not be contacted for comment last night.

And a female student being picked up by her mother said: "I don't know what happened. I wasn't in it. I was just getting my education.'' One source claimed a boy had been questioned by the school administration for stealing, and was later set upon by a group of students.

Another claimed a boy hit a girl and was jumped by her boyfriend and others.

A Policeman -- looking down at notebooks and pens scattered on the ground outside the school tuck-shop -- said: "They need a cut a**. This would not have happened in my day.'' Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the disturbance.

The arrested teenager had been approached by officers attempting to stop the fighting, a Police spokeswoman said.

She added the boy was cautioned before being placed under arrest and taken to Hamilton Police Station where he was searched and detained.

Minutes after Police arrived, the situation was brought under control and most students returned to their classrooms.

CRIME CRM