A new head teacher has been appointed at the Bishop of Rochester Academy.

The troubled Chatham school suspended head Chris Sweetman earlier this month following a number of incidents, including police being called when a fight broke out between girls in the playground.

Andy Reese, head of Greenacre School in Walderslade, has now been appointed as the interim executive principal.

In a statement from the academies three sponsors, the Diocese of Rochester, Canterbury Christ Church University and Medway Council, a spokesman said Mr Reese, 54, would be working with the senior team to "shape future strategic direction and drive performance improvements."

The spokesman added: "Mr Reese is an experienced school leader who is committed to improving the outcomes and opportunities for young people through partnership working within and across schools.

"The sponsors and governors of Bishop of Rochester Academy remain resolutely committed to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards of learning and behaviour at the academy."

The academy was formed following the merger of Chatham South School and Medway Community College.

Since it opened in September 2010, there have been a number of incidents at the school, which is split between two sites in Letchworth Avenue and Magpie Hall Road.

For full story and reaction see the Medway Messenger - out a day early on Thursday.