The incident came to light when the boy returned home at about 4pm with blood and bruises on his face.

According to his mother, he was attacked by several pupils who held his arms and punched him in the face until he fell.

“I brought him to a private clinic, where X-rays confirmed the injuries. He was then referred to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu,” Bernama reported her as saying today.

The boy, the second of three siblings, underwent surgery this morning to repair the nasal fracture.

His mother said this was not the first time that he had been bullied. In June, he suffered an eye injury after being hit with a rock, but no police report was lodged at the time.

However, following the latest incident, she said she had decided to take legal action.

The mother also said the school met with the parents of the pupils involved on Monday to discuss the matter.

Kuala Terengganu police chief Azli Noor confirmed receiving a report, and said a preliminary investigation suggested that the incident stemmed from teasing among the pupils.

“The case has been referred to the school management and the Kuala Terengganu education office for further action,” he said.