Canadian police arrest 8 schoolgirls in high-profile bullying case

TORONTO (REUTERS) - Eight girls have been charged with criminal harassment for bullying at a high school in Ontario, the latest of a string of high-profile and tragic bullying incidents in Canada.

Police in the city of London said the girls were arrested after an investigation into physical, emotional and online bullying of a student at the school. They were charged and released on a promise to appear in court.

"Bullying will not be tolerated in our community. The behavior exhibited by these students is reprehensible and will be appropriately dealt with by the criminal justice system," London Police Service said in a statement.

Police gave no details about the victim, but said they were able to support the victim and ensure the victim was safe before dealing with the accused bullies. London is 200km west of Toronto.