POLICE were needed to assist staff at Carlton Bolling College in Undercliffe, Bradford, today after hundreds of people converged on the premises for a protest surrounding a teacher.

One man was arrested for a public order offence during the incident, which went on for about 90 minutes and there were so many people gathered outside it made it "potentially difficult" for those in school to leave the grounds.

It is understood the protest was organised in support of a teacher who has been suspended over comments allegedly made.

The Telegraph & Argus understands a meeting is expected to be held tomorrow to start the process of investigating and resolving the issue.

Adrian Kneeshaw, head teacher at Carlton Bolling College, and Michael Jameson, strategic director children’s services at Bradford Council, said in a statement tonight: “Bradford Council and Carlton Bolling College were aware of the planned demonstration outside the school gates today.

"The school and the Council worked closely together, and liaised with the police, to help ensure the demonstration passed peacefully.

“The demonstration relates to an HR issue involving an individual member of staff at the school, which is being progressed through the appropriate HR procedures.

"It would not be appropriate to comment further until that process is concluded.”

Chief Inspector Damien Miller, of Bradford District Police, said: "Police were called at 3.26pm to facilitate a peaceful protest outside a college in Bradford.

"Officers attended and policed the demonstration which was attended by a small number of adults and about 200 young people who were gathered outside the premises on the roadside.

"The protest concluded shortly before 5pm when the crowds dispersed peacefully. One male was arrested for a public order offence during the incident. He was not in any way connected with the college."