It's him or us - that's the ultimatum from a Winchester mother-of-five.

Valerie Gowans plans to withdraw her children from Weeke Primary School if a pupil accused of throwing an iron bar at one of her daughters is allowed to stay.

Eight-year-old Molly Deacon was struck on the head by the bar during a dinner break. Peter Smith, aged nine, is accused of throwing the bar and has been permanently excluded by headteacher, Maggie Hastie, pending a final decision by governors.

Peter's father, Ian Smith, denies there was any deliberate intent to hurt the girl and says the incident was accidental.

This week, Mrs Gowans warned: "If he does come back, then I, along with a few parents I've discussed it with, would remove our children from the school."

She said any move would only be made with great reluctance, describing Weeke Primary as a "fantastic school" and praising Maggie Hastie's record as head.

In addition to Molly, Mrs Gowans, a housewife of Burley Road, Harestock, has two other daughters at the school - Ruby Deacon (9) and five-year-old Tilly Gowans.

Her youngest daughter, Elsie Gowans (4), is set to join the school later this year. Her eldest daughter, Grace Deacon (12), is at Henry Beaufort School.

Molly was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital after being struck on Thursday, March 27th.

Mrs Gowans says the incident was unprovoked, adding her daughter was simply "in the wrong place at the wrong time".

The school cannot comment on the incident before the governors decide if Peter Smith can remain at the school. He has been excluded on three other occasions within the last six months, but not on a permanent basis.

Peter's parents, Ian and Linda Smith, of Acorn Close, Weeke, say his behaviour is a result of bullying. They feel the school has done nothing to tackle the problem, forcing Peter to defend himself.

Said Mr Smith: "The school is just turning its back on the problem. I want to make sure Peter gets treated fairly and with dignity, because he's not getting that at the moment."

The board of governors will meet before Friday, May 2nd, to decide Peter's future. If they rule he cannot stay at the school, his parents can appeal to the county education authority.