A schoolgirl stabbed 37 classmates with a hypodermic needle after going on a playground rampage .

Health officials in Puerto Rico say the attack by the 14-year-old happened at lunchtime in a middle school on the south of the island.

The victims, aged 12 to 14, are being tested for HIV and hepatitis C. They have also been given preventive medicine for other diseases.

The victims, aged 12 to 14, are being tested for HIV and hepatitis C. They have also been given preventive medicine for other diseases

Health department officials revealed it is not known if the syringe was contaminated.

The school is the Jose de Choudens middle school in the coastal town of Arroyo .

Speaking of the attack, Education Secretary Jesus Rivera Sanchez said: 'She would stab one, run, stab another, run, like it was some sort of joke.'



Arroyo in Puerto Rico where a 14-year-old ran amok with a hypodermic needle

She added in a statement that the female suspect has been suspended.

Officials said counsellors were meeting with the parents of the stabbed students.



Social workers were interviewing the alleged attacker to try to determine a motive, Justice Department spokesman Fidel Rodriguez said.