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A rugby match between two of Cambridge’s most expensive private schools exploded in violence - sparking a police investigation into an assault on a teenager.

Tempers flared during the The Perse vs The Leys 1st team derby fixture at The Perse rugby pitches near Luard Road on Saturday, December 1.

Police were called soon after 3pm after receiving reports of an assault on an 18-year-old.

Cambridgeshire police said it was still establishing the facts around the events.

Cambridgeshire Live has received contradictory versions of events from different sides.

Neither The Leys or The Perse School has commented publicly on the incident - both have been approached for comment.

The Leys headmaster Martin Priestley tweeted a message of congratulations to his team for the 11-10 win on Saturday afternoon.

The Perse School's head of Sixth Form Richard Morgan sent an email to pupils to urge them "not to put any comments on social media" about the incident or "get involved in any conversations about it".

The schools are two of the most exclusive in Cambridge with The Leys charging fees of £33,000-a-year and The Perse £18,000.

Rivalry between the two schools is always intense and the match was heated from the start.

Players from both sides were eager to stamp their authority on the hotly contested game.

The tensions escalated after an altercation between two players, leading to an alleged assault on an 18-year-old.

The precise nature of what happened is unclear at this stage, and will now be investigated by police.

Mr Morgan's email to students acknowledges that the incident is likely to prompt discussion and debate.

He wrote: "Many of you will be aware of an incident that occurred during the Perse v Leys 1st XV fixture today.

"Naturally there will be many people linked to both schools who have seen or heard about this and they may want to express their views.

"Please can I urge you not to put any comments on social media – this will not be helpful and it is important to avoid posting anything that might later be a cause for regret.

"I also advise you not to get involved in any conversations about it, particularly at any social gatherings you may be at this weekend.

"If you are approached about this incident by anyone and feel uncomfortable with something that is said or you become aware of anything being said on social media about it, I strongly urge you to let me know."

What police had to say

A Cambridgeshire Police spokesman confirmed the matter will be investigated in due course.

He said: "We were called at around 3pm on Saturday (December 1) after reports of an assault on an 18-year-old man during a rugby match at the Perse School in Hills Road.

"We have no further information at this time and will be carrying out an investigation."