A principal in Melbourne's west has been stood down after video footage emerged of him dragging a primary school aged pupil along the ground.
Steve Warner, the principal of Manor Lakes P-12 College, in Wyndham Vale has been stood down pending an investigation.
A principal in Melbourne's west has been stood down after video footage emerged of him dragging a student along the ground.Credit:Nine News
The footage appears to show Mr Warner dragging the pupil by the arm across the playground while concerned parents and students can be heard yelling out as the incident unfolds.
Victorian Education Minister James Merlino said the footage was "appalling and concerning".
"Let me be very clear, I will not tolerate this kind of completely unacceptable behaviour in our schools," he said in a statement.
"There will be an independent investigation into the staff member's conduct and he has been immediately stood down while this takes place."
It's understood Mr Warner has been a principal at the school since 2016.
It is not clear when the footage of the incident was captured, but it is believed to have occurred sometime this week.
Victorian Education Department policy stipulates that a teacher may take any reasonable action that is immediately required to restrain a student from acts of behaviour dangerous to other members of staff, the student or any other person.
Melissa Cunningham reports breaking news for The Age.