He pointed to a number of places on his back and legs, and using a wet paper towel she wiped the grit and dirty water from his palms and knee. He’d begun crying again, which wasn’t surprising given the ordeal he’d been through. ‘And he kept saying things about my mum. He said she didn’t love me and that’s why she ran off.’

Even when Evan had left, she’d never felt such pain. ‘Freddie,’ she said calmly, ‘I’m going to ask Miss Radcliffe to come and sit with you while I fetch Amias and Richard and take them to Mrs White’s office. I’ll be right back, okay? Try and drink some water.’

Freddie took his water bottle, and she watched his small hands tremble as he grasped it.

Stomping into the playground, she sent a horrified Nina, who had now found Freddie’s coat, in to sit with him. Bella’s eyes scanned the playground and fell on Amias. Remaining calm she strode over. As she approached, Richard nudged him and when Amias looked at her, it was clear he knew a whole world of trouble was about to come his way.

‘Amias, did you at—’ She stopped herself from saying the word attack. Although she completely believed Freddie, it was important to hear both sides of the story and labelling the incident as an attack wasn’t professional. She began again. ‘Amias, did something happen with Freddie?’

‘No.’

‘Well, Freddie is in the classroom and he’s very upset. I’d like you to come inside and talk to me about it.’

‘But I haven’t done anything.’

‘He did, miss,’ shouted Hannah, climbing down and running over. One of her bunches had fallen halfway down her head and she tossed it back. ‘He and Richard pushed Freddie over and started punching and kicking him.’

‘Thank you, Hannah. I appreciate you telling me what you saw. I’ll chat to you later so you can tell me everything, okay?’ Hannah beamed at the praise from her teacher. ‘Anything to say, Amias?’ He shrugged. ‘Richard?’ Richard had the good grace to look at the ground, ashamed. Now he was faced with the consequences of his actions she could tell he was doing his best not to cry. His parents would not be pleased when they heard what he’d done. It was out of character for him too, but Freddie said the extent of his involvement had been in chasing him and pulling off his coat – that was something at least. ‘Both of you come with me.’