Girls aged just ten and 11 are among five people arrested following a shockingly violent fight as police hunt a sixth suspect.
Police were called to the mass assault on a single girl outside Thomas Knyvett College in Ashford, Surrey, at around 2.30pm on Monday where they discovered the teenage victim injured.
A 39-year-old woman, a 16-year-old girl, an 11-year-old girl, a ten-year-old girl and a 43-year-old man have been arrested over the attack.
A sixth suspect, a 15-year-old girl, is wanted. Police confirmed that she was aware they were looking for her.
Horrific video footage of the fight has been shared online and shows a gang of people hitting and kicking the victim while she lies on the floor.
Adult voices can be heard throughout the altercation, apparently encouraging the fight and giving instructions on how to hurt the teenager.
Strands of her hair are visible on the floor at the end of the fight, when teachers from the school come out on to the pavement.
A spokesman for Surrey Police said: ‘We are aware that this incident will have caused concern among students, parents, and staff at Thomas Knyvett College, as well as the wider community.
‘We would like to reassure you that an investigation is under way, five arrests have been made in connection with this incident, and we are working closely with Thomas Knyvett College as we investigate this matter.’
The spokesman asked that people refrain from sharing videos of the horrific fight on social media and instead sent links to the police.
‘We are also aware that several videos of this distressing incident are circulating on social media.
‘We ask that you do not share any videos or images of this incident, but to submit them via the link below so they can be considered as evidence in this investigation.’
Inspector Maxine Cilia, borough commander for Spelthorne, said she was shocked to see such a violent altercation near a school.
‘I was shocked to see some of the video footage of this fight and the level of violence from young people outside one of our local schools.
‘Every schoolchild should feel safe in the local community and not the target of any kind of violence as they leave school premises,’ she said.
Inspector Cilia added that there would be extra patrols in the area over the coming days.
‘Surrey Police are now investigating this incident and gathering further evidence with the full co-operation of the school. There will be extra patrols in this local area for reassurance and to enable local people to speak with officers.’
Police are also appealing for any eyewitnesses or anyone with CCTV, dashcam, helmet cam footage, or any images and videos on their mobile phones to get in touch.
They added that anyone driving or walking through the area around Salcombe Road on Monday between 2pm and 3pm who saw or heard something that might assist the investigation should contact them.
Mother runs home to get all her daughters to come help jump a black girl… pic.twitter.com/ylMD1QHHqV
— Fight Haven (@FightHaven) February 10, 2023