Greater Manchester Police is investigating allegations of racism at Saddleworth School, it is understood.

Allegations of pupils making monkey chants and performing Nazi salutes towards black and Asian children have led the school to respond that ‘discrimination and prejudice have no place at Saddleworth School’.

Other alleged incidents include pupils singing songs about the Ku Klux Klan to a mixed-race student.

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The Ku Klux Klan, or KKK, is an American white supremacist hate group with a history of racist crimes including cross-burnings, arson, beatings, murder, and even bombings.

Families of the victims were said to be "devastated".

It was also alleged that antisemitic behaviour had occurred at the school, with accusations of pupils calling a Jewish teacher "a f***ing Jew" and saying "I hate Jews".

The force did not provide an official comment when asked but it is understood police are investigating the allegations.

Saddleworth School did not respond when asked if it would be complying with the investigation.

Racially or religiously aggravated harassment is illegal under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

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Oldham Council Cabinet member for education Cllr Mohon Ali made a statement following the news.

The councillor said Oldham Council takes a ‘proactive stance’ tackling hate in schools, and works with partners to address hate in educational settings, and drew attention to the council’s promotion of Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Oldham Times: Cllr Mohon AliCllr Mohon Ali (Image: Oldham Council)

He went on to say the council was working to deliver training on incels, radicalisation, and conspiracy theories.

When originally asked for comment following the allegations, local Saddleworth North Cllr Luke Lancaster responded that he had nothing to add to the school’s public comment, and had only seen the school’s public comment.

Fellow ward Cllr Pam Byrne and Lib Dem Cllr Garth Harkness were approached for comment but did not provide a response.