A Methuen dad stirred up a tempest by posting pictures of his bruised son on social media, claiming the marks are a product of bullying that the school has failed to adequately address.

“I’ve been dealing with the school for weeks now with this bullying issue,” said Charles Nesbitt, 35, of Methuen. “I’m definitely pulling my kids out of the school.”

Methuen police Chief ?Joseph Solomon said the department has started an investigation into the ?alleged assault.

“We investigated the incident as soon as the father contacted us,” he said. “We have requested a hearing at the juvenile court on both of the children.”

Nesbitt said the school nurse called him Tuesday, after his son, a student at the Donald P. Timoney Grammar School, was pushed down on the playground.

He said when he arrived, his son had blood and bruises on him.

Nesbitt posted the pictures on social media, captioned “courtesy of Methuen schools.”

He included a message that said, “after weeks of complaining to the school that (my son) is being bullied, I’m now going to dismiss him because he got jumped in second grade and he’s in the nurse’s ?office crying hysterically. Unacceptable.”

Principal Timothy J. Miller sent a letter to parents yesterday criticizing Nesbitt’s decision to post those photos online.

“Please know that teachers and administrators were aware of the situation and acted immediately and appropriately,” he wrote. “I feel it is important to note that the manner in which this incident was reported and shared through a variety of social media sites was unacceptable. Many of the comments made were inaccurate and based on rumor and innuendo.

“I am shocked at the complete lack of respect shown to some of our finest teachers and staff members.”

Superintendent Judith Scannell issued a press release yesterday with a link to the district’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, saying, “The Methuen Public Schools is dedicated to providing all students with safe learning environments that are free from bullying, harassment and teasing.”

She declined to comment further, citing privacy laws.

Nesbitt told the Herald he was outraged over the school’s response.

“Can you believe that he said it’s unacceptable that I posted on social ?media? I’m upset with that,” Nesbitt said.

“What’s unacceptable is that it came to this point that my kid is that badly injured. That’s what is unacceptable.”