POLICE are hunting the ringleader of a gang of teenage thugs who headbutted a teacher.

Three youths, aged about 15, tried to enter a rival school and were stopped my members of staff.

One youth headbutted a teacher at Nunthorpe School, Middlesbrough, who had to be taken to hospital. He had to have five stitches put in a head wound and is recovering at home, but is said to be "very shaken".

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said the ringleader of the gang had been identified and would be arrested.

Officers have already reprimanded the other two teenagers.

Headteacher John Rowling said that Monday's incident was the latest in a series of problems at the school.

Last year, it had to obtain a police order banning one youth who was persistently causing trouble in the school grounds.

Mr Rowling said: "We had relative peace and quiet after that, but it started again last week.

"A group of youths came on to the school field during a PE lesson. Our staff have walkie-talkies in case there are problems and the senior staff were informed and went to deal with it.

"The youth elbowed and shouted verbal abuse at a teacher and shoved him.

"They came back on Monday lunchtime and the teacher was headbutted as they stopped the youths getting in to the school buildings."

"We are in consultation with the police to try to rid us of this problem. The school is very upset - we know who these youths are, but I don't know what their motive is."