Maryland teacher allegedly uses belt to break up student fight

MARYLAND (WABC) -- A substitute teacher has been pulled from a Washington D.C. area classroom after he was caught on camera hitting sixth graders with a leather belt, apparently trying to break up a fight.

In the video, you can hear the children screaming as they try to run away from the violent thrashes.

That video has now gone viral, drawing shock and anger from some parents, and support from others.

The incident took place last Friday at Gwynn Park Middle School in Maryland.

The circumstances behind the teacher's behavior are still unknown, but town residents and parents are outraged.

"I just couldn't imagine a grown man hitting my child," parent Edward Torrence said.

The substitute teacher has since been removed from the classroom. The school called his actions "improper" and released the following statement:

"Prince George's County Public Schools does not condone this type of behavior and it is not representative of the level of professionalism and respectful conduct of the team at the school."