TEACHERS were the victims of more than 600 physical attacks by pupils in schools across Hampshire, the Daily Echo can reveal.
The true extent of the terrifying violence teachers face in the classroom - including biting, hitting and punching - is uncovered today as thousands of youngsters return to school after the long summer holidays.
Union leaders across the county have called on education bosses to stand by a tough zero-tolerance policy towards violent pupils.
According to the government figures, almost 450 youngsters were suspended from schools in Hampshire and 160 from classes in Southampton due to violence against teachers - both above the national average.
For more on this story see page five of today's Daily Echo
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