London, Oct.20 : A school in Gosport, Hampshire, has initiated a racism probe against a four-year-old boy after he spat at a black pupil during a game of chase.

Rocky Smith's headmistress at Bedenham Primary School launched the probe after the 10-year-old black boy complained.

Eventually, according to the Daily Mail, it was concluded that Rocky had been "naughty".

Rocky's parents -- Sarah and Iain Smith – however, expressed anger that the matter was taken so far because they say their son is too young to know what "racist" means.

Racism campaigners have also expressed surprise at the school's action.

Mrs Smith, 35, said: "Rocky was wrong for lashing out and I've spoken to him about that, but how can a four-year-old be racist?

"His best friend at nursery was a boy of Indian background - colour doesn't mean anything to him. I think he deserves an apology."

Mrs Smith said the first she knew about it was when the school rang her to tell her the outcome later that day.

Mr Smith, 37, a taxi driver, added: "Rocky hasn't got a clue what racism means."

Head teacher Anne Phipps has defended her decision to investigate the race complaint

Tunde Bright-Davies, chairman of the Racial Harassment Forum in the neighbouring city of Portsmouth, said: "A very young child can hate another person because of the colour of their skin.

"But in this incident, there was no name calling, no racial connotation, no "get away from me", and you can't found racism on just spitting.
"I don't know why it was investigated as a racist incident."

Meanwhile, Rocky's long-term future at the school still remains in the balance.

His parents fear he might yet be excluded for his behaviour and are due to meet Mrs Phipps next week.

Bedenham Primary School has more than 200 pupils ranging in age from four to ten.

In its last Ofsted report, the school was judged to be excellent in the category of pupils' care, welfare, health and safety. (ANI)