Principal stood down as footage shows student dragged across playground

A Melbourne principal is stood down while police and the government investigate an incident in which a student was dragged | WATCH

Victoria Police and the state’s education minister are investigating an incident, captured on video, involving a school principal dragging a student across a playground in Melbourne’s west.

The video shows the principal at Manor Lakes College Steve Warner allegedly dragging a 9-year-old student by the arm across the school grounds.

The Herald Sun reports that the principal has been stood down and that police have been called to investigate.

Education Minister James Merlino ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

“As the Minister for Education and as a parent, this footage is appalling and concerning,” he told the Herald Sun.

“Let me be very clear, I will not tolerate this kind of completely unacceptable behaviour in our schools.

“There will be an independent investigation into the staff member’s conduct, and he has been immediately stood down while this investigation takes place.”

The footage is believed to have been taken this week when school resumed for the year.

The boy’s family told the Herald Sun that while he had been misbehaving, he should not have been dragged. “Yes, he was misbehaving, but he was not physically abusing any teachers,” a relative said. “Regardless of his behaviour, he should not have been treated like this.”

The family are understood to be speaking to police.