Ironically, the abuse directed against red-headed pupils took place as the schools marked anti-bullying week.

On Friday — the same day as others were raising money for Children in Need — at least two secondary school pupils were sent home for bullying and police advice was sought.

The Kick a Ginger Day Facebook group originated in Canada last year when 5,000 people from around the world joined the site that urged members to 'get them steel toes ready'.

It was inspired by a 2005 episode of the cartoon South Park, in which the young character Cartman describes people with red hair as 'evil' and 'soulless'.

St Ninian's High School and Ballakermeen High School, both in Douglas, confirmed that red-headed pupils had been targeted on Friday as Kick a Ginger Day surfaced again one year on.

Adrienne Burnett, head at BallakermeenHigh School, said there hadbeen incidents involving two boys who attempted to chase another child. She said: 'As soon as we heard, we took swift action.

'We made it clear we take a very dim view of this sort of behaviour. We sent these particular boys home after they confirmed their responsibility. All staff were asked to keep an eye out and we've had no other incidents.'

Andrew Fox, head at St Ninian's High School, said the school had taken action against a small number of students and police had also been contacted for advice.

He said: 'We have worked hard to try to ensure this school is a safe and happy place. This school has a very good reputation for dealing with bullying incidents.

'We have taken action against a small number of students who've let themselves down, a very small number out of 1,351 students.'

Mr Fox said the issue had been raised in assembly during the week and warnings had also been given to a number of students who had been saying things 'perhaps in jest'.

Two children had been bullied.

The 14-year-old behind the original Kick a Ginger Facebook group was investigated but never charged by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after reports of attacks on red-headed children.

He apologised and said it was only meant as a joke. His site was subsequently named 'Universal Hug a Ginger Day'.

There have been other reports of assaults linked to the Facebook site this year, however. Detectives in Los Angeles are investigating an incident in which a 12-year-old middle school student was kicked and punched.

Ramsey Grammar School, Queen Elizabeth II High School in Peel and Castle Rushen High School in Castletown said they had not had any reports of similar instances.

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