A TEACHER has been suspended after she allegedly made a comment about a Muslim student’s headscarf.

Parents complained to police and Bolton Council following the alleged incident at Sunning Hill Primary School, Daubhill, on Wednesday.

It is claimed a girl at the school was fidgeting with her headscarf and the teacher involved was heard to say: “If she was in my class I would chuck the scarf in the bin.”

The woman is alleged to have made the comments about the traditional female Muslim head dress in earshot of several pupils.

Bolton Council said the teacher had been suspended pending an investigation.

Police were also due to speak to parents at the school who had complained last night.

One parent, who is also related to the girl involved, said: “She was apparently fidgeting with her headscarf although she says she was just straightening it.

“The teacher has then said ‘if she was in my class I would chuck the scarf in the bin’.

“A lot of parents have complained as her class mates heard as well.”

She said the incident was reported to police and to Margaret Asquith, director of children’s services at Bolton Council.

A council spokesman said: “We can confirm that a teacher at Sunning Hill Primary School has been suspended as a neutral act pending an investigation.”

A police spokesman said: “An incident was reported to us on Wednesday evening at 10pm.

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“It surrounds a comment made towards pupils at Sunning Hill Primary School.”

It is understood police were taking statements from complainants last night.

Sunning Hill Primary School refused to comment.