School attendance falls in Polish city after attacks

Fewer than 50% of pupils attended schools in the Polish city of Ostroleka on Friday on average, a city administration representative told RIA Novosti. Authorities tightened security at educational institutions after attacks in the region.

Attendance varied by school, but more than half of pupils missed classes overall, the official said. Polish outlet WP had also reported the previous day that some parents chose to keep their children at home.

On Wednesday, a 19-year-old attacker injured 9 people at a vocational school in Ostroleka, the Associated Press reported, citing authorities. An attack took place at a school in Leszczydół-Nowiny the following day. RIA reported that the detained suspect was 17 and that three people were injured, one of whom later died. AP gave a different age for the suspect, 15, and also reported three injured people.

The Ostroleka city administration announced tighter access controls at schools, increased staff supervision and more patrols. Authorities also arranged psychological support for pupils and staff. Published reports have not established the motives behind the attacks.