People in the quiet community of Charleswood say they are disturbed by an alleged racially-driven attack at a local high school.

A student is facing charges after he used anti-Semitic slurs against a Jewish girl and then lit her hair on fire.

"When you add that there were racist overtones in the confrontation, it's got to be a very significant incident," explained Winnipeg police Constable Rob Carver.

Students attending Oak Park High School are shocked by the incident, "It's crazy, Oak Park is supposed to be a nice school," said Justin Thompson.

Officials say a 15-year-old boy singed the girl's hair using a lighter in a hallway after school on Nov. 18. They say the victim told a school counselor about the incident three days later. And they say other students may have been involved.

"There's an ongoing investigation to determine if any other students should be disciplined," said Lawrence Lussier the Superintendant for Pembina Trails School Division.

Police say a charge of assault with a weapon will be laid against the 15-year-old suspect. Police say he was arrested and released on a promise to appear in court at a later date and further charges could be pending.

Lussier says the boy was suspended immediately. "Shortly thereafter, his legal guardian decided to withdraw him from the school," he said.

Police and school officials say the victim was not hurt in the attack and she has returned to school.

-With a report from CTV's Jeff Keele