A FOOD critic and TV presenter has lashed out at a group of schoolgirls via Twitter, making jibes about rape and their school, after they called him a homophobic name on a social networking site.

Giles Coren, a Times columnist, tweeted the comments today (Tuesday) to his 88,000 followers, after the pupils at Hitchin Girls’ School made the homophobic and offensive comments.

One girl said that she would eat his children, and also tweeted: “Our class have used you’re [sic] pathetic example of persuasive writing on vegetarianism.” She then went on to use a derogatory term.

Mr Coren replied, using a swearword to describe the school. He then said: “You should go to one where they teach you to read books like a grown-up.”

He then added: “And I’m going to rape your father.”

The comments from both parties caused a flurry of responses.

Comedian and broadcaster Sue Perkins said that she had contacted the school in relation to the jibes. She said: “I am gay. I was also a vegetarian for 8 years. I am upset and depressed you think it’s acceptable to use that word. So much so, I’m going to write to your school & let them know this is the kind of thing you’re broadcasting. NOT COOL.”

But @d0tski said: “Hate when celebrities RT abusive tweets. It always ends with an angry mob attacking what is usually a 16 year old kid. Ping @gilescoren.”

The girls sent the tweets after reportedly studying a piece by Mr Coren in an English lesson. The controversial critic has attracted complaints in the past about his comments, which have included talking about privacy injunctions.

Frances Manning, headteacher at Hitchin Girls’ School, could not confirm what action would be taken against the pupils.

She said: “Clearly the incident is in contravention of a number of our school policies and as such we will deal with this matter swiftly and appropriately.

“We in no way condone language or behaviour of this kind.”