Two children tried to strangle another pupil with a rope in a primary school playground.

The boy victim needed immediate medical attention following the attack during a supervised lunch time break at Saltaire Primary School.

Police were called to the school in Albert Road but neither of the children – understood to be a boy and a girl in Year Five – will face criminal prosecution as they are aged ten or under.

The pair have been reprimanded by the school and given short-term suspensions.

Head teacher Kevin Keogan confirmed to the Telegraph & Argus that the incident had occurred in the playground but would not say what had sparked it.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said officers had investigated the attack but were unable to take the investigation any further because the offending pupils were below the age of criminality.

It is understood the victim is aged ten.

Mr Keogan would not confirm what measures had been taken against the culprits, only saying that “appropriate” action had been taken. In a statement to the T&A, he said: “There was an incident in the playground at lunch time where the children were under adult supervision.

“The incident involved three children. One was injured and given first aid. An investigation has taken place and the matter has been dealt with.

“I want to reassure parents that this matter was dealt with in an appropriate manner and that the safety and well-being of children at Saltaire Primary School is given high priority.”

The police spokesman said: “Police have been made aware of this incident and officers from the Shipley Neighbourhood Police Team have liaised with the school which has investigated the matter and taken action.

“In this case the two children involved are below the criminal age of responsibility and therefore the police would be unable to prosecute. However we will be working closely with partners to assess any areas of concern and support the school.”

The school’s chairman of governors, the Rev Paul Breeze, said he did not want to add anything to Mr Keogan’s statement.

Education Bradford has been made aware of the incident.

No-one at Bradford Council wanted to comment.

The attack is the second incidence of violence at one of the district’s primary schools since the start of the new academic year this month.

The T&A reported on Friday how a five-year-old boy needed surgery after being bitten by a classmate at Whetley Primary School, Whetley Lane, Bradford.