POLICE were called to Bridgwater secondary schools almost 100 times last year, investigating claims of violence, rowdy pupils - and even hate crimes - a Mercury investigation has revealed.

Documents released by Avon and Somerset Police under the Freedom of Information Act show officers were called by Robert Blake Science College, Chilton Trinity Technology College, Haygrove School and East Bridgwater Community School 92 times in the 12 months up to November 17 last year.

The figure - which works out at a call to the police every three days of term - includes 17 requests for police to investigate violence, 27 concerning rowdy or nuisance behaviour and nine calls reporting theft and handling of stolen goods.

Two calls were made by schools regarding hate crimes, one about drugs offences, two for burglary, five for criminal damage and three for truancy.

There was also a request for police assistance to deal with a stolen vehicle and three instances of police hunting someone wanted on bail or by a court order.

Four calls were made when intruders set off the school's alarms.

Police say officers and PCSOs have an excellent relationship with the town's four secondary schools.

Sgt Paul Endicott, from Bridgwater Police Station, said: “The police are duty bound to investigate all complaints but these figures do not represent any worrying trends or issues around violence in our local schools.”

This was echoed by Chilton Trinity, who told the Mercury they had an 'excellent' relationship with the police and PCSOs, and appreciated their support.

A Somerset County Council spokesman told the Mercury: “We have a very good relationship with the police but schools are locally managed institutions and we encourage staff to call the police when necessary.”

The other three Bridgwater schools did not comment to the Mercury before we went to press yesterday