Philadelphia police investigate brutal beating at Ben Franklin High School that left two students injured

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia police are investigating a brutal beating at Ben Franklin High School in the city’s Spring Garden neighborhood.

It happened on the first day of summer school on Tuesday.

As part of their investigation, the police are using two videos that were circulating on social media.

Two young girls were attacked in the incident.

“Two of the women suffered head and neck injuries as a result of being attacked by at least three other girls during this incident,” said Philadelphia Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore.

Mecca Robinson is a guardian of a child who attends the school. She also runs a nonprofit that helps homeless youth. She has brought together the leaders of other organizations that also work with Philadelphia youth.

“We met with the principal today. I asked her, ‘What do you need from the community?'” Robinson said.

Ernie Bristow is one of several youth leaders who responded to Mecca’s call for help. They met outside the school on Thursday morning.

“They asked for support and now we are there. We plan to continue to support them because this is not a one-day event,” Bristow said.

The investigation is now underway. The police assume that there was a verbal argument that escalated into physical violence and spread into the hallway.

“We’re doing interviews and watching videos on social media to see who else we can find and talk to,” Vanore said.

The school district released the following statement regarding the incident:

“Since we are not the creators of the video, we cannot verify its authenticity.

The Philadelphia School District is aware of an altercation that occurred at Benjamin Franklin High School. The district is committed to providing safe and welcoming schools and summer programs. Incidents that potentially threaten the safety of students and staff are taken very seriously. The district’s Office of School Safety is conducting a thorough investigation while the Philadelphia Police Department investigates. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with established district policy.”

The Philadelphia Police Department has a detective assigned to the school district.

The two victims were taken to hospital, treated and released.