The Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution is investigating a case involving a teacher who is accused of pouring acid on the face and body of a high school student at Umm Al-Qura secondary school.

The attack took place Thursday when the teacher summoned the student during lab class and poured acid on his face, neck and chest as soon as he approached him, causing burns that need 14 days to heal, according to doctors.

Saad Al-Salem, director of education in Bisha, said a delegation of teachers visited the student in hospital. A committee has been formed under the presidency of the educational affairs assistant, with members appointed for guidance and follow-up, to investigate the incident.

The student suffered serious burns. His uncle, Abdullah bin Hamid, who is the student's guardian, has refused mediation attempts to waive his rights. The uncle accused the teacher of assaulting his nephew and causing serious burns to his body.

He said that investigation is under way even though the teacher claimed that the student poured the acid on himself when he bumped into the teacher.

The teacher confirmed that the student was immediately taken to the medical center and was referred to King Abdullah Hospital in Bisha. A school delegation visited the student, but some teachers tried to trivialize the matter, which caused a dispute with members of the family.

The teacher was arrested again after he was released on bail because the student’s guardian filed a complaint to Bisha Gov. Mohammad Al-Muthami, who issued a warrant for the teacher’s arrest until investigations are concluded.

Eyewitnesses unanimously said that the teacher poured the acid on the student deliberately. The victim said he was attacked for no apparent reason.