AN angry lollipop man saw red in an alleged road rage incident in front of schoolchildren.

The school crossing patrol officer punched a male driver after a heated argument, it is claimed.

The exchange is said to have happened after the driver was seen parking at a nearby bus stop for the afterschool pick-up outside Consett Community Sports College, in County Durham.

Durham County Council yesterday confirmed that the lollipop man, who has held the role for three months, has been suspended on full pay while an investigation is carried out.

The school, for 11 to 16-yearolds, had hired the lollipop man as a temporary appointment while the council looked to fill the position permanently.

Steve Keetley, head of technical services at the county council, said: “We can confirm a school crossing patrol officer has been suspended on full pay and an investigation is under way, following reports of an incident on Durham Road, outside Consett Community Sports College, on May 11.

“The officer was acting in a temporary capacity on a site identified for this service in February this year.

“While we are continuing the permanent recruitment process for this location, we are also seeking to put in place a reserve patrol in the near future.”

With youngsters returning earlier this week from half term, it is not known if there is any interim school crossing scheme in place to assist pupils.

Durham Police were called to the school following the incident.

A spokesman said: “Officers spoke to both parties giving words of advice. No further action was taken and the matter was referred on to the county council.”

Staff at a nearby store, normally packed with pupils and their parents, said they had been unaware of the row.

Unison, the national public sector trade union, was unable to confirm if it had been asked to deal with the issue.