PARENTS are pursuing action against an adventure company after an alleged incident involving their son.

Amazing Activities, in Clacton, has been reported to Ofsted after the seven-year-old said he was pushed into a pond in Brook Country Park by another child.

The boy told dad John Leeks that he called out for help while another child dunked his head under.

Mr Leeks, of Clacton, claimed the incident went unnoticed by team members supervising the six youngsters.

The company, which is insured to carry out activities for children as young as two, were holding a one-hour bridge building session.

Mr Leeks said when he arrived at about 6pm, on April 12, he found his son “soaking wet and shivering”. He claimed staff gave no explanation.

Mr Leeks said: “There were a number of children left unsupervised by a pond and they shouldn’t have been there. Why were they near a pond deemed unsafe in a risk assessment? It’s shocking.

“Nothing in their itinerary said they’d be near water and my son had been put in severe danger. He was very upset and confused because he was didn’t understand why he wasn’t helped.

"Luckily he’s a strong swimmer and was able to get himself out of the situation.”

Company director Stephen Mayzes said the alleged perpetrator has admitted what happened and that there is a “zero-tolerance approach” to bullying.

In these circumstances the company would carry out an investigation and a “proactive solution such as additional staff training, suspending or changing an activity”.

He said: “None of the children were placed in significant risk or harm otherwise we would be duty bound to report staff for neglect.”

A spokesman for Amazing Activities said: “Unfortunately an incident between three children took place during an activity session and it would appear each child had a hand in this. We were made aware that night and took action immediately.

“Sadly, one of the parents didn’t get the response they wanted and wouldn’t allow the company time to properly and safely look into the matter.

“Mr Leeks’ behaviour escalated to the point of being verbally abusive and threats of harm were made to staff and the company, which would have had a direct impact on the children’s safety at the centre.

“We then decided it was no longer something we could resolve between ourselves and the family, and felt the need to involve the police. Until the police investigation is complete, we’re not in a position to continue with the complaint.”

They added: “Amazing Activities will always place the interests of our customers’ safety first in anything we do, but feel it would be unfair to give into bullying and pressure at the will of one customer without thoroughly looking into the incident properly and fairly.

“We do not condone bullying within Amazing Activities or outside and equally the company will not respond to bullying tactics.”

Essex Police are investigating allegations of harassment and malicious communications against Mr Leeks.

Stephen Mayzes reported that Mr Leeks became aggressive and swore at him, prior to making threats down the phone two days later.

Mr Leeks denies there any threatening behaviour.

An Ofsted spokesman said: “The setting is not registered with Ofsted. We have received information and are making enquiries, therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage”