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Bullies daubed a series of hateful messages in an 11-year-old's leaver's book - sparking a police investigation.

The handwritten insults - including "Bye bye Asian gay monkey boy" - were reportedly left by classmates of Dylan Lynch as he left Garlinge Primary School in Margate yesterday (July 23).

His shocked dad Shaun, 38, has since reported the messages to the police and says he wants to warn other parents of what he believes to be a serious safeguarding issue at the school - something it strongly denies.

Kent Police has confirmed it has launched an investigation into the incident.

Mr Lynch, of Coronation Crescent, said: “It’s been a problem for the last two years. Dylan was previously attacked by about ten boys two years above him, but the school did nothing.

'Monkeyboy ears'

“All the children had an autograph book for the end of year. Dylan came home yesterday, and he had about 13 offensive messages scrawled all over his leavers' book.

“As far as I see it, the school are prepared to let the kids go. As soon as it’s 3.15pm this afternoon, it’s not their problem anymore.

"Nothing will be done, and nothing will be changed."

Other insults left to Dylan by the children include reference to the "rain forest" and "monkey boy ears", with one stating: "No one likes you. Sorry I did not learn gorilla language and we didn't communicate."

Mr Lynch says although the comments are not about Dylan's skin colour, he believes they are racist due to them targeting his appearance.

'Hate crime'

He said: “My son is a white British male, but it’s been reported to the police as malicious communications and a hate crime. In my eyes, it’s highly offensive.

“My granddad is Irish, and we have fairly pronounced ears, so I’m assuming that’s where it is coming from."

The spiteful messages prompted the father-of-three to keep Dylan at home on his final day of school today (July 24) , saying he was fearful for his safety.

Mr Lynch continued: “I said to him, ‘this must be heartbeaking for you. You have spent time with these kids, and this is what they have written about you.

“He just shrugged his shoulders.

'Gang attack'

“He was really upset. He has got a close knit of friends, but he did not want to go to school as he feels unsafe.

“There is supposed to be a party at Westbrook beach tonight for the last day of term, but I have got to go and keep an eye on him.”

Mr Lynch says he is now concerned for the future of his four-year-old daughter at the school after years of bullying endured by her older brother.

Dylan's father described what he saw as a 'gang attack' on his son three years ago, which he claims merely resulted in a school detention.

He said: “When he was in Year 3, about ten boys two years above him were name calling him and assaulted him.

“They pinned him down by his shoulders, grabbed him by the shirt and punched him in the face a few times.

“His sister became aware and got a member of staff involved, but if it wasn’t for her something much more serious could have happened.

"How far does bullying have to go before you deal with it?"

School statement

Head teacher James Williams said: “I am aware of some upsetting comments written in one of our Year 6 pupils’ autograph books on the last day of term.

"The welfare and well-being of all our pupils is of paramount importance and we take all accusations of bullying or unkindness very seriously. I invited the boy’s parents into the school to discuss the matter with me and they are still welcome to do so.

"Garlinge Primary School is a happy and safe environment in which to learn and play, as Ofsted inspectors found when they visited in March this year, stating, ‘There is a strong culture of care and safeguarding at the school, and you ensure that pupils’ welfare is paramount."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police has received reports of offensive messages and an assault committed against an 11-year-old boy by other children at a school in Margate.

Enquiries into the incidents are ongoing."