A six-year-old girl has been banned from bringing a ceremonial Sikh sword to her primary school after complaints from parents.

The Year 1 pupil brought a Kirpan - a small blunt sword or dagger worn by Sikhs as a mark of their faith - to Redscope Primary School in Rotherham.

2 Following complaints from parents a six-year-old Sikh girl was banned from bringing a Kirpan to school Credit: Alamy

After some parents kept their kids away school, headteacher Paula Dobbin said she'd spoken with the girl's parents and they'd agreed she would no longer bring the Kirpan to school.

One parent complained: "I’m sorry but, religion or not, a child’s health and safety comes first."

Another said: "Most girls aren’t allowed to wear make-up in school, never mind carry a weapon."

In the letter sent to parents Ms Dobbin explained the Kirpan was a "religious ornament" worn by Sikhs.

She said: "The item is not sharp, and is often worn in schools by children of the Sikh faith nationwide.

“However, having spoken to the parents of the child concerned, they have agreed that the child will no longer wear this item in school.

“The family are new to school and want to be part of the Redscope family.

“They are keen their daughter is able to make friends and be part out of our school community.”

She added: "Concerns about this issue caused a number of you to delay bringing your children into school.

"I reassure you there is no reason for you not to bring your children to school.”

2 The headteacher of Redscope primary school in Rotherham had to write to parents to reassure them after some kept their children at home over safety concerns Credit: Caters News Agency

However some comments made by parents about the incident are now being probed by cops as potential hate crimes.

An investigation is being carried out.

A spokeswoman for South Yorkshire Police said: "Police are aware that a religious Kirpan was brought into the school by a six-year-old pupil.

“Local neighbourhood officers continue to work closely with the school, providing advice and reassurance and talking to parents.

"There are no wider safeguarding concerns and no crime has been reported.

"A number of comments on social media have been reported to us as race-related hate crime, following this situation.

"South Yorkshire Police would like to remind the public that hate crime of any kind is not tolerated.

"An investigation into the comments is underway."

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The Kirpan is a symbol of courage and must never be used to attack, although it can be used for protection if other methods of defence have failed.

In the UK under the Criminal Justice Act 1989, people are allowed to carry blades for religious reasons.

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