Boy, three, attacked by fox at school (From The Argus)
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Boy, three, attacked by fox at school
8:02am Monday 21st June 2010 in News
The parents of a toddler bitten by a fox tonight described him as a "brave little boy" who was recovering well from his ordeal.
Three-year-old Jake Jermy was bitten on the arm after disturbing a fox hiding beneath a temporary building while at a party at the Dorothy Stringer playgroup, next to the high school in in Loder Road.
Jake was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he was treated and released following the attack at mid-day on Saturday, Sussex Police said.
In a statement tonight, his parents, Sam and Jacqui Jermy, both 35, said: "Jake was attending a private party at the Dorothy Stringer nursery on Saturday and was playing in the playground area.
"Jake told us he was going to get a ball from under one of the sheds. Jake, I'm sure, disturbed the fox and the fox responded and bit him.
"Since then he has recovered really well and is in really good spirits and is a brave little boy. We don't feel there is anything else to be said."
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “The three-year-old was bitten whilst at a party at the Dorothy Stringer School in Hove.
"It is reported that the youngster saw and stroked the tail of an animal that was sticking out from under a temporary building, when it turned and bit him on the arm.”
After the incident, police called the RSPCA and an inspector attended.
The Dorothy Stringer playgroup at the school has remained closed today and pest control officers have been called.
A spokesman for the Dorothy Stringer pre-school playgroup said: “We can confirm that a child suffered injuries after being attacked by a fox at an event on our premises at the weekend.
The child is now recovering at home, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
“The playgroup is closed today as we consider how best to ensure the safety of our children and staff.
“We have been aware of the foxes for some time. The advice we had been given by a local wildlife expert was that they did not pose a threat to people.
“Our temporary building is due to be knocked down to make way for a new building in a matter of weeks.
“We have been in touch with Defra and also with a local pest control company, which is due to visit this afternoon to give advice on the action we should take.
“The nursery will remain closed until we have ensured the safety of our children and staff.”
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: “Foxes are shy creatures and will usually avoid contact with people.
"We offer our sincere condolences to the child and family concerned and wish for a speedy recovery.
“If people have issues with foxes they should contact their local authority or a licensed pest controller.
"To discourage foxes, they should also ensure any rubbish and household waste left out is secure and not open for scavenging.
“There is also further information on our website about how to deter foxes from a particular area.
“If anyone has a concern about the welfare of a fox they can contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999."
Two weeks ago twins Isabella and Lola Koupparis were attacked by a fox at their home in Hackney, London. Did you see what happened? Call the newsdesk on 01273 544520.
Comments(54)
ICantThinkOfAName
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8:24am Mon 21 Jun 10
Fox 'attacked by boy, three at school'
Asbo
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8:43am Mon 21 Jun 10
kraftwerker
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8:49am Mon 21 Jun 10
Angryoldman
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8:52am Mon 21 Jun 10
Log onto the sun online and look at the picture.
It’s a snarling fox coming through the school gates in Brighton and it’s as big as the gates. Talk about playing on the fears of the stupid.
ghonda
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9:28am Mon 21 Jun 10
kraftwerker wrote:Not quite true. I live 100 yrds from the school and there is a fox here with a bent tail that often walks through my garden. I had a stand off with the fox when it just stood infront of me. My 5 yr old son was next to me.
Whilst it's true that foxes are more prevalent during the day hours around the Balfour area, and I live behind Varndean, I really can't imagine a fox going up to a group of adults or kids, unless it was being taunted. The parents should have been keeping a watchful eye on the children, particularly a 3 year-old.
This fox is used to people, so I can see how a young person would think it was "cute" and approach.
Having said that, I enjoy seeing the foxes here. They stop the cats from using my garden as a litter tray.
emo1-2-10
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9:28am Mon 21 Jun 10
chusan
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9:45am Mon 21 Jun 10
ICantThinkOfAName
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9:54am Mon 21 Jun 10
emo1-2-10 wrote:I hope the Hunt charges through the school grounds out of school hours or the headlines might read:
BRING BACK FOX HUNTING asap......
"Pack of hounds savages schoolchildren".
kraftwerker
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9:56am Mon 21 Jun 10
ghonda
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10:00am Mon 21 Jun 10
kraftwerker
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10:13am Mon 21 Jun 10
t mistake there...I'll retract that last bit!!!
Asbo
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10:36am Mon 21 Jun 10
..... the purpose of a hunt is to provide a good day out for a group of people.
Nothing more and nothing less................
...
TheInsider
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10:43am Mon 21 Jun 10
In the past I have been bitten by a mouse and pecked by a seagull so hard that I suffered a huge cut on my arm.
Unfortunately wild animals are just that, wild.
She-Ra, Princess Of Power
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10:53am Mon 21 Jun 10
It's a bit rich to say he was 'attacked' IMHO... 'Boy bitten by wild animal after scaring it' would be more accurate. It's simply the fox defending itself from what it percieved to be a threat. If someone came up behind me and grabbed me I'd retaliate too!
What a massive overreaction to close the playgroup, what do they think will happen? Herds of foxes storming the playgroup?!
This would be a prime opportunity to teach the younger kids that they must respect wild animals and that it's not a good idea to touch them. Let them see them and learn not to interfere....
There's a very tame fox where I live, strolls through the gardens in broad daylight, they are certainly very adventurous these days!
Jo-scuba
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11:07am Mon 21 Jun 10
TheInsider wrote:Well said, TheInsider! Despite the fact that urban foxes have become 'tamer' and more approachable around humans, we should never forget that they are still wild animals at the end of the day.
I hope the fox is ok. Humans carry all sorts of germs. In the past I have been bitten by a mouse and pecked by a seagull so hard that I suffered a huge cut on my arm. Unfortunately wild animals are just that, wild.
I imagine that people at this school party were probably feeding this fox, for this child to have managed to get so close. If I was a fox and some toddler suddenly made a play for my tail, I'd probably give him a nip too! Not the fox's fault - why weren't the parents more vigilant! They probably thought it would make a cute photo.
It's funny though, how all of a sudden there are fox scare-stories popping up all over the place, just when there are 'plans' to go back on the fox hunting ban... Hmmm...
My security word was: fear-busy. Yes, they are working hard at it, aren't they?!
pw08
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11:12am Mon 21 Jun 10
Of course the really pathetic part is the herd of pro-hunt numpties - people basically who get off on chasing animals and watching them being ripped apart - claiming that this reinforces the case for hunting. It's not just the inherent idiocy of the idea that the unspeakable should be pursuing the inedible through leafy Fiveways, but the fact that this - or any other fox cull - won't work. Other foxes will just move into the vacant territories.
If we're really concerned about urban foxes the answer is simple - we humans will just have to clean up our acts. Literally.
Hillbilly Bob
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11:12am Mon 21 Jun 10
cheezburger wrote:What a vicious little comment. As if a 3 year old would know any different. Does it say the little boy pulled the fox's tail??? Where?? No it does not. The poor little lad was probably crying all day and that is all you say, shame on you.
If he pulled its tail then he bl00dy deserved it. And i doubt this story is true anyway. Shame on you Argus for adding to the hysteria.
cheezburger
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12:17pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Hillbilly Bob wrote:Actually it DID say that he pulled the tail. The Argus often does this, edits a story later in the day, thus making some comments seem wrong. So no shame on me at all. The story stated the child pulled the tail and the animal retaliated. Thats the consequences if you pull a wild animals tail, and its a lesson the kid has to learn. He was obviously not supervised. So dont you dare criticise me for a fair comment on a story.
cheezburger wrote:What a vicious little comment. As if a 3 year old would know any different. Does it say the little boy pulled the fox's tail??? Where?? No it does not. The poor little lad was probably crying all day and that is all you say, shame on you.
If he pulled its tail then he bl00dy deserved it. And i doubt this story is true anyway. Shame on you Argus for adding to the hysteria.
tombraider59
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12:30pm Mon 21 Jun 10
TheInsider wrote:Sensible post - thank you!
I hope the fox is ok. Humans carry all sorts of germs. In the past I have been bitten by a mouse and pecked by a seagull so hard that I suffered a huge cut on my arm. Unfortunately wild animals are just that, wild.
Wiggsy
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12:47pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Vernon Wentworth wrote:Perhaps you should be directing your comments to The Argus, as had they reported the 'extra facts', then posters perhaps would have made more informed comments than those that you're criticising
The 3 year old boy was attending a party in an enclosed area. He was free to run around. It would appear that a fox was under the prefab building within the enclosed area. The boy was bitten by the fox and was treated in hospital for the bite but is back at home and recovering well. All those in attendance are intelligent enough to understand that the foxes action were not premeditated but the reaction of a wild animal that felt threatened. The parents do not want the fox destroyed but they do want it removed from the enclosed area as children play there on a daily basis. Perhaps with these extra facts some of you might want to consider removing your earlier posts which do you no credit.
Granny
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1:14pm Mon 21 Jun 10
The Good Driver
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1:17pm Mon 21 Jun 10
She-Ra, Princess Of Power
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2:11pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Bwahahahahaha! Hahaha! Hahahah! What are they, ninja foxes? Knife-wielding hoodie foxes?
Whatever next - burglar bunnies?!
wendy-uk
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2:24pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Is it a coincidence that the Government is considering its stance on the foxhunting ban and all of a sudden these stories begin popping up in the press? Nice try hunt enthusiasts!
micky adams
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2:27pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Vernon Wentworth
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2:27pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Hillbilly Bob
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3:17pm Mon 21 Jun 10
cheezburger wrote:Yeah ok they edited it, but to say a 3 year old deserved to be bitten is just downright wrong no kid deserves that do they how an earth do they know what a fox would do.
Hillbilly Bob wrote:Actually it DID say that he pulled the tail. The Argus often does this, edits a story later in the day, thus making some comments seem wrong. So no shame on me at all. The story stated the child pulled the tail and the animal retaliated. Thats the consequences if you pull a wild animals tail, and its a lesson the kid has to learn. He was obviously not supervised. So dont you dare criticise me for a fair comment on a story.cheezburger wrote: If he pulled its tail then he bl00dy deserved it. And i doubt this story is true anyway. Shame on you Argus for adding to the hysteria.What a vicious little comment. As if a 3 year old would know any different. Does it say the little boy pulled the fox's tail??? Where?? No it does not. The poor little lad was probably crying all day and that is all you say, shame on you.
That's hardly a fair comment is it. I am sure you wouldn't feel it was fair if it had happened to your nipper would you.
Dan Gleballs
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4:06pm Mon 21 Jun 10
cheezburger wrote:Deserved it? A 3 year old, wow!
If he pulled its tail then he bl00dy deserved it. And i doubt this story is true anyway. Shame on you Argus for adding to the hysteria.
ronrostog
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4:14pm Mon 21 Jun 10
cheezburger
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4:15pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Dan Gleballs wrote:Ok fine, it was the parents fault for not keeping an eye on their child, who really should be watched ALL the time. Its certainly not the fault of the fox is it. In the end there is no harm done, the kid is fine, and will remember the incident and not repeat it.
cheezburger wrote:Deserved it? A 3 year old, wow!
If he pulled its tail then he bl00dy deserved it. And i doubt this story is true anyway. Shame on you Argus for adding to the hysteria.
only 25 years in brighton
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4:19pm Mon 21 Jun 10
The foxes on the whole field surrounding the playgroup are very bold. I see them early most evenings. Most people living round here will see them in their gardens and may have lost pets to them. Debatable how wild a child would perceive a fox to be under these circumstances. And I'm a bit staggered by some of the comments on here from posters blaming the parents, the child -- and not the fox.
dixie normous
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4:19pm Mon 21 Jun 10
micky adams wrote:still dyslexic then i see.
A badger winked at me.
kraftwerker
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4:32pm Mon 21 Jun 10
I apologise unreservedly for me previous posts. Had the Argus got their quote right (it's not a temporary building, and it is ring-fenced), half of these comments would not have been posted. Mine included. Sorry
davyboy
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5:50pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Ringmer Rich
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6:21pm Mon 21 Jun 10
How can you call this news? It probably wouldn't even make it into the school's newsletter... Truly scraping the barrel now.
Must try harder....
rs
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8:12pm Mon 21 Jun 10
Ringmer Rich wrote:because it's such a rare occurance.
Dear Argus, How can you call this news? It probably wouldn't even make it into the school's newsletter... Truly scraping the barrel now. Must try harder....
stan bailey
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8:43pm Mon 21 Jun 10
TheInsider
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10:02pm Mon 21 Jun 10
They also got warts and headlice from other children.
Foxes, children...both a similar type of vermin.
bigcatdetective
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10:03pm Mon 21 Jun 10
e on the wildlife forums(chris packam included)assumed it was an extremely rare event after the fox attack 2 weeks ago and then of all the foxes in all the country another has to bite a child in the argus area.as for no news,it,s in the sun online and others.so it,s a national story(of potential interest to the nation) the fox obviously thought it was under attack so naturally retaliated and the young lad,i hope he recovers swiftly...
Baldseagull
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12:54am Tue 22 Jun 10
She-Ra, Princess Of Power wrote:No, biting foxes, do you want your kids running around with them?
"“The playgroup is closed today as we consider how best to ensure the safety of our children and staff. "
Bwahahahahaha! Hahaha! Hahahah! What are they, ninja foxes? Knife-wielding hoodie foxes?
Whatever next - burglar bunnies?!
Urban foxes are becoming bolder, probably because some people feed them. They are losing their fear of humans and in some places foxes approach people for food, much like the pigeons in towns do.
Don't feed them.
Tye
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8:16am Tue 22 Jun 10
Come on they do look nice but they are still vermin - amazingly the same people enjoy I'm a celebrity - but don't worry as those animals are ugly then there's no problem- is there?
one more step and the parents of this child will also need POLICE protection from the animal nutters -
She-Ra, Princess Of Power
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10:06am Tue 22 Jun 10
Baldseagull wrote:One fox, who bit a child when provoked. It did NOT go on a rampage biting people at random. It wasn't premeditated, it felt threatened and had a natural instinct. It's not a rabid dog wanting to kill and eat everything in it's path, it's just a fox that was happily minding it's own business and hiding away from the people under the building that got disturbed. If the child had left it alone it wouldn't have happened. I think closing the facility is a complete over-reaction on that basis - all they need to do is leave it be. I just think it's been blown up out of all proportion.
She-Ra, Princess Of Power wrote: "“The playgroup is closed today as we consider how best to ensure the safety of our children and staff. " Bwahahahahaha! Hahaha! Hahahah! What are they, ninja foxes? Knife-wielding hoodie foxes? Whatever next - burglar bunnies?!No, biting foxes, do you want your kids running around with them? Urban foxes are becoming bolder, probably because some people feed them. They are losing their fear of humans and in some places foxes approach people for food, much like the pigeons in towns do. Don't feed them.
We have a fox walk through our garden regularly. I was cleaning my car and it came for a nose, stood a few feet away from me. I ignored it and it ignored me, no problem.
The foxes don't need people to feed them all the time there are bin bags on streets and litter everywhere! They will go where the food is...
Vernon Wentworth
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10:33am Tue 22 Jun 10
tombraider59
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12:12pm Tue 22 Jun 10
TheInsider wrote:Brilliant, I love it!!!!!
My nephews got worms from playing with some kind of play dough at nursery. Apparently it is a food stuff so can harbour worms. They also got warts and headlice from other children. Foxes, children...both a similar type of vermin.
The Good Driver
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12:24pm Tue 22 Jun 10
'
'elf 'n' safety? Pro-fox hunting groups? Anti-fox hunting groups? ALL the parents, because it seems each of them has to be consulted? Not quite sure what dilemma it poses if one parent says it's OK to open and one doesn't. Basil Brush?
.
What a load of old tosh. Open the playgroup, let those that wish to send their kids do it, those that don't, keep them away. The adults in charge are aware of the situation, let them be vigilant.
'
Or is the playgroup to be closed for ever? Perhaps 'advice can be sought' about the official time span for closing a playgroup after a kid has been scratched. Surely there is some 'expert' who can give a definitive time? Must be a Civil Servant somewhere who is paid to make in-depth studies of these matters.
jbhove
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2:19pm Tue 22 Jun 10
jbhove
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2:19pm Tue 22 Jun 10
jbhove
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2:19pm Tue 22 Jun 10
fretlessbass
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2:26pm Tue 22 Jun 10
Stuart_L
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7:14pm Tue 22 Jun 10
Since when The Argus need to sink to Rupert Murdoch style sensationalism?
columbia
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9:09pm Tue 22 Jun 10
Also, they appear to be trying to keep Mary Mear's name out of this story....it would be interesting to know where she was at the time that the child that was bitten, by the fox that was attacked by the child that was bitten.....I'm now off to have a crap, brush my teeth and then to bed.................
..
p/s - wasnt it fantastic to hear that those bunch of f***ed up weirdos in Lewes Road's "community garden" are to be kicked out - I've booked a days annual leave to watch the, hopefully forceable, eviction with my young children in the hope that the experiance might teach them about respect for other peoples property.....
The Good Driver
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10:03am Wed 23 Jun 10
Is it done by thought projection, rather than typing? There again, is thought projection actually doing nothing in the strictest sense?
Baldseagull
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9:33pm Wed 23 Jun 10
jbhove wrote:No, it's all part of a Government conspiracy, all 2 stories were fabricated by David Cameron himself so that fox hunting can be brought to city centres.-Nutter-.
Seems the story should read "fox attacked by boy". Is this story even true?? What is the truth behind all these sudden "anti" fox stories?? We've got lots of urban foxes in our area and they've NEVER been a bother to anyone ever. They always run when a human comes near. Many residents encourage them by putting out food for them but unfortunately the million cats in the area eat it first.
The "Truth" is that an urban fox in Brighton bit a child in a childrens play area. The child may have provoked it or caused it to be fearful.
Not in itself much of a story but as twin girls were attacked in their cot last week by a fox in Hackney there will be more interest than usual in this headline.
I am sure that YOUR foxes have "NEVER been a bother to anyone ever", and do not rip open bin bags, dig up lawns, fight with cats, keep people awake at night with their screeching or leave musky pee and poo in anyones garden, only those foxes in rough places like Hackney might do that sort of thing.
ginger-vermin
cheezburger says...
8:05am Mon 21 Jun 10