A headteacher has spoken out to thank the police and paramedics who responded when a member of staff at his school was assaulted yesterday morning.

Police were called to Totteridge Academy, in Barnet Lane, at 7.15am following reports that a canteen worker had been attacked by a gang of men.

The woman was confronted by three men who entered the canteen from the school grounds.

They threatened and assaulted her and demanded access to the canteen’s safe.

Before making off the men, who were dressed in black and had their faces and hands covered, stole cash and cheques belonging to the catering company.

The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Paul Ferrie, headteacher, has released a statement saying: “The Totteridge Academy supports the police call for anyone with any information relating to this assault and theft to come forward.

“We know that other school canteens have suffered thefts recently and we are anxious that no other member of staff or school has to experience anything remotely similar in the future.

“We thank the police and the ambulance crew for their prompt response this morning in supporting a valued member of staff in very difficult circumstances.

“She is doing well and is anxious to return to school as soon as possible.”

DC Damon Cotter, the officer in the case, said: "Thankfully this was early in the morning before the school was open, but this was a very frightening ordeal for the member of catering staff concerned.

“Those who work in our schools need and deserve the support of their community and that is why I appeal to anyone with information to contact Barnet police immediately.

“We have no clear indication on how these men made good their escape, but it may have been across the fields towards the Dollis Valley Estate.

"I would appeal to anyone who was has any information or who was in the area and saw these three men running, or entering a car or premises, to contact police straightaway."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 101 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote reference 2424831/12.