Teacher hospitalised after violent carjacking outside school

Richard Knee was attacked in the upper school car park just before leaving the Leyes Lane premises at around 4pm July 7.

It is understood that the 41-year-old was approached by two masked men who demanded his car before making the threats and making off with the vehicle.

The popular science teacher was taken to Warwick Hospital and is now recovering from “slight injuries”.

Police have issued a description of the men following the attack and car theft with an appeal for help.

A spokesperson said: “The victim was approached by two men wearing dark clothing who demanded his car keys, assaulted him and then drove off in his car, a Ford Fiesta.

“The victim was treated at Warwick Hospital for slight injuries.

“Police are appealing for witnesses, anyone who saw the blue Ford Fiesta BD14 VPV or a dark coloured BMW that may have been in the area at the time.

“Officers from the Kenilworth Safer Neighbourhood Team continue to engage with staff at the school, pupils and parents.

“They will be providing reassurance to the community with a greater presence in and around the school.”

Since the attack messages of support have flooded into social networking sites and around the town as pupils wish their teacher well and express “shock and sadness” at the vicious assault.

One former pupil said “I hope they catch the perpetrators and I hope he makes a speedy recovery. Thoughts with him and his family.”

Another called for anyone with information to come forward and help the well-respected teacher.

A statement from head teacher Hayden Abbot was released to parents on Monday night stating: “You may be aware that there was a carjacking in which a member of staff was assaulted.

“The incident happened in the upper school car park outside of the perimeter gates and security fencing.

“The member of staff was assaulted by intruders and his car was stolen.

“The police are dealing with the situation.

“They have informed us that it was his car that was targeted rather than him as an individual and it is unlikely that the perpetrators will come back on to the site.

“This is clearly a very serious incident and we are liaising closely with the police.

“At the time of the incident the majority of the students had left the site but a small number were still in school involved in various activities.

“Some of the students witnessed the incident and were understandably upset.

“The students were looked after by members of staff until they were collected by parents.

“Please be assured that as ever we take the care and security of your child very seriously.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident 244