PARENTS say they are at the end of their tether after their son, who suffers from a behavioural illness, was expelled from a third school after attacking teachers and children.

Education chiefs are now searching for a facility which can cope with the severe demands Daniel Peberdy, 11, could place on his teachers.

Experts are not sure what is wrong with him but believe he could be suffering from the neurological illness Tourettes Syndrome.

His parents, Christopher and Sandra Peberdy, who live in McNeil Avenue in Crewe, say they are at their wits' end after being kicked, punched and lunged at with a carving knife.

Daniel was at Greenbank Residential School in Northwich which specialises in teaching children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

But he was expelled after 18 months for hitting and kicking teachers and pupils.

His parents say that since returning home in September he has punched his mum in the face and tried to attack his dad with a knife.

Now Christopher and Sandra Peberdy are constantly on guard against him harming his brothers aged three, five and 10 and sisters aged seven and 13.

His father said: 'Daniel is a big lad and it's hard for my wife and kids to defend themselves when he has a violent outburst.

'There's no rhyme or reason to these outbursts. He can be playing with his Xbox one minute and kicking out the next.

'At first specialists thought his behaviour was triggered by hyperaction tension.

'Afterwards they said it was autism. Now it is believed to be something like Tourettes.'

Daniel was previously expelled from Underwood West Infants and Leighton Primary schools in Crewe after smashing up classrooms, hurting other children and swearing at teachers.

His mother said: 'Greenbank and Social Services have done all they can but we're at the end of our tether.'

Cheshire County Council's education department and Social Services are handling Daniel's case.

He sees a social worker and psychologist every month.

A council spokesman said: 'Daniel has received an extremely high level of support.

'The aim now is to provide him with tutored support while we search for a specialist facility which can deal with his demands.'