Bradley John death: Father calls on headteacher to quit

The father of a boy thought to have taken his own life at school has called for the headteacher to resign after claiming his son had been bullied.

Bradley John was found by his younger sister at St John Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School in Llanelli.

Byron John claimed his 14-year-old son had been bullied at school.

The school has not commented on the bullying allegations but the governors issued a statement saying speculation could cause concern and anxiety.

In a letter to parents after Bradley's death, Ashley Howells, head of the school said it was a "poorer place" without Bradley.

Mr Howells said Bradley was a "polite, cooperative and articulate young man who was happy to help staff and provide support for his friends and peers" and staff and pupils had been deeply affected by his death.

"St John Lloyd is a small, close-knit community and it is the bonds between staff, pupils and parents that have provided us with the most comfort in recent days," he said.

But on Friday, Mr John, from Ammanford in Carmarthenshire, handed a letter into the school calling for Mr Howells to stand down.

Mr John's letter delivery came as about 50 people wearing yellow rosettes turned out at the school to support his call.

Byron John delivered a letter to St John Lloyd school on Friday calling for the headteacher's resignation

He has accused the school of failing to tackle the issue of bullying and claimed his son had been a victim for 18 months before his death.

• Dead schoolboy 'had been bullied'

• Tributes to schoolboy following death

"I want to highlight the lack of safeguarding and the failings in the system," he said.

"There are serious shortcomings. Bradley, a vulnerable child, was unaccounted for for one hour and 10 minutes. I think he could have been found and stopped."

In a letter posted on the school's website, Mr Howells said a "significant number of staff, including trained first aiders were on hand to help Bradley" and paid tribute to pupils for how they had dealt with such tragic event.

The school's governing body has said speculation and comments made in the media could cause "anxiety" for staff, pupils and parents.

Carmarthenshire council, which runs the school in partnership with the Diocese of Menevia, has told parents that it was working in close liaison with the school and a wide range of agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils, staff and all members of the school community.

Director of education and children's services, Gareth Morgans said: "I would like to acknowledge the professional and compassionate contribution of the headteacher and his staff at this difficult time."

He added: "Our focus at the moment is supporting everyone involved in this tragic incident.

"We have offered to meet with Mr John and his family to offer any further support that is needed and to hear any concerns that they have. We hope that this will take place early next week."