The incident was described as an "isolated incident" by the police, and a 16-year-old boy from Tiverton has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The school's head, Bart Wielenga, has written to parents and guardians assuring them that the incident was an isolated one, and there will be a police presence around one of the school's boarding houses for some time.

The South Western Ambulance Service was called at 00:57 BST, and three individuals were conveyed by land ambulance to hospital.

The police have said that there is no wider risk, and they are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.