A COLLEGE principal accompanied police on patrol in an effort to learn more about the environment her students come from.

Sacha Corcoran, principal of Big Creative Academy in Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, went on an eight-hour patrol with Waltham Forest Police last week.

The team responded to fights, incidents of anti-social behaviour and searched for a missing 12-year-old.

Ms Corcoran said: “It’s important to see first-hand the problems and risks young people face.

“It was only 4.20pm and already three calls involving youths fighting, one with a weapon, were coming in across the borough.

“I was struck by the need for agency support to deal with this problem a feeling that grew during the shift as many of the calls were social work, drink or drug-related - not crime.

“I really enjoyed the experience and would urge other heads of schools to get to know their community and the environment in which their students live.”