POLICE are investigating claims that two girls were threatened with drowning by a group of school bullies.

The allegation is the culmination of a three-month bullying campaign against Sarah Claydon and Carol-Ann Harrison, which has left them too frightened to leave their homes.

The girls' families say the problems have become so bad that Carol-Ann has contemplated suicide, and they are adamant neither girl will return to Haughton School, Darlington, until action is taken against the bullies.

Last night, Carol-Ann's mother, Jane, said: "We're all at our wit's end. Carol-Ann has talked about trying to kill herself and I'm on tablets for stress. This is making all of our lives hell."

It is claimed that during the bullying campaign, which involves a large group of teenage boys and girls, Carol-Ann's hair has been set alight, Sarah has been assaulted, and both girls have been repeatedly threatened.

The latest incident, which the girls' families say was the final straw, is alleged to have happened on Thursday during the school lunch break.

The girls were taken to the River Skerne where bullies were said to have tried to hold their heads under the water.

Mrs Harrison said: "To hear something like that is your worst nightmare. After all that's happened before this, I keep thinking what are they going to do next?

"Carol-Ann tries to put a brave face on and go to school, but it's got to the point where she can't.

"Her and Sarah have to stay inside during breaks like they're prisoners, that's no way for young girls to be.

"She has also got her Sat exams coming up, and she wants to do well so she can join the Army. But with all of the other things she's having to deal with, it's making it even harder for her."

Sarah's father, Simon Claydon, said Haughton School - part of the country's first Education Village, which boasts a zero-tolerance policy against bullying - was not doing enough to protect the children.

He said: "This has been going on for too long, but nothing seems to be done about it.

"I've been to the school more times than I can remember, and my wife, Nicola, was there three times last week, trying to get them to do something. For a school that claims to be zero tolerance against bullying, it's not doing an awful lot. We don't want Sarah going back there at the moment."

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said Haughton School were aware of the complaints of bullying from both girls.

She said: "We take all accusations of bullying very seriously.

"The complaints have been fully investigated. The latest complaint has been referred to the police."

Police have confirmed they are investigating the allegation.