Chichester pupils to return early after Paris terrorist attacks

A group of students and staff from a school near Chichester who were in Paris during the terrorist attacks are expected to return home this evening.
A woman is helped by the emergency services during the attacks in Paris whi has left at least 129 people deadA woman is helped by the emergency services during the attacks in Paris whi has left at least 129 people dead
A woman is helped by the emergency services during the attacks in Paris whi has left at least 129 people dead

The 14 girls and three staff members from Lavant House School were on a trip to the French capital and are all ‘well and unharmed’, the school has confirmed.

The school has taken the decision to bring the group home early and they are due to board a Eurostar train this afternoon, Monday, November 16.

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Lavant head teacher Nicola Walker has paid tribute to all those affected in the tragedy, and has expressed her pride in the way her pupils and staff conducted themselves in such a difficult situation.

Mrs Walker said: “Our thoughts and prayers go to all those in Paris.

“Lavant House School had a group of 14 girls and three members of staff in Paris on a French Language and Art educational trip this weekend. “Thankfully their hotel was not in the area affected and everyone is well and unharmed.

“The group left school early on Friday morning and were expected to return late on Sunday.

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“However, due to both the terrible events themselves and the French authorities’ understandable and prudent actions in closing all museums and public buildings, we have taken the decision that our group should return immediately.

“They have been fortunate in getting a train this afternoon and our thanks go to both Eurostar and the French authorities for their help.

“We are expecting the group this evening. As their Headmistress, I am extremely proud of the way the girls have conducted themselves in a stressful situation under the care and guidance of our experienced staff.”

More than 120 people have been confirmed dead by local officials with more than 300 injured, many critically, after seven coordinated attacks took place in Paris on Friday night.

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At least 89 people were killed when masked gunmen opened fire at a rock concert at the Bataclan concert venue in Boulevard Voltaire, the most deadly attack.

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