'Pool of blood': Teacher 'stabbed with scissors by parent'
A parent has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a "gentle and caring" teacher with scissors at a primary school in northern NSW.
The incident occurred at Byron Bay Public School about 7.20am on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old woman allegedly used a pair of scissors in the attack on the 28-year-old man, police said in a statement.
After the stabbing, the accused fled the scene.
Police confirmed a woman was arrested at a nearby home in Suffolk Park about three hours later.
She was being interviewed by detectives and is expected to be charged.
The teacher was treated at the scene before being taken to Byron Central Hospital for further care.
He has since been transferred to Tweed Hospital for surgery and remains in a stable condition.
The Department of Education said the attack occurred before school hours.
“An incident occurred this morning before school involving a staff member,” a statement from the department said.
“Strict security measures were taken until police confirmed it was safe for the school to operate as normal.
“Counselling has been made available to staff and students.”
‘The most lovely teacher’
One parent wrote on Facebook her child saw a "pool of blood" near the school's library.
Another local said it was sad to hear about the attack on the first day back at school after the holiday break.
"The most lovely teacher," he wrote on Facebook.
"So undeserving of this. May his recovery and healing be swift."
Another person posted: "(He's) a great teacher and a gentle and caring soul."
In a Facebook post to a Byron Bay community group, one parent wrote he had been “reassured” by the school his child was safe.
Another parent said they commended the school for their reaction to the incident.
“Our children are in very safe hands,” she wrote.
“The teachers have support services in place and I’m very happy with how they’ve handled it from a parent’s point of view.”
“The management of the school and police this morning was brilliant,” another woman agreed.
Many wished him a speedy recovery.
The school was in lockdown, but it was lifted at about 11.30am after the woman’s arrest.
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