Concerned parents have spoken of their distress after footage emerged of a man restraining a young boy as other youngsters lined up to hit him.
The sickening incident, caught on camera and circulated widely on social media, occurred just outside the gates of Lliswerry High School in Newport, Wales on Wednesday afternoon.
Two people have now been arrested in connection with the alleged assault, Gwent Police has confirmed.
Horrifying footage of the incident shows a young boy looking anxious as he is approached by a man and two other boys.
The man can then be seen grabbing on to the youngster’s shoulder and appears to speak to the two boys, before nodding towards the victim.
In that moment, the boys can be seen swinging punches at the boy, as a third and fourth child joins in.
The victim, clearly distressed, can be seen attempting to hit back while being held still by the adult male.
A second man then emerges and appears to kick the young boy.
The sickening incident, caught on camera and circulated widely on social media, occurred just outside the gates of Lliswerry High School in Newport, Wales on Wednesday afternoon
Concerned parents have spoken of their distress after footage emerged of a man restraining a young boy as other youngsters lined up to hit him
Two people have now been arrested in connection with the alleged assault, Gwent Police has confirmed
Eventually the adult calls off the boys and lets the victim go, as the distressing video ends.
In a statement from the school, headteacher Julia Fitzgerald said: ‘We are aware of a serious incident that took place after school today involving our learners.
‘Rest assured that it has been reported to the police and we will ensure a full investigation is carried out in cooperation with police and local authority.’
Chair of governors councillor Mark Howells told South Wales Argus: ‘We are liaising with the police, and the local authorities are informed.
‘I’ve got children in the school as well so it’s naturally concerning. My role as chair of governors will be to ensure that the school supports the authorities to deal with it swiftly and robustly.’
Gwent Police said officers are continuing to investigate the matter, as well as a second reported incident involving a different child being assaulted earlier in the day.
Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said: ‘We have now identified the young person in the video being circulated online, and officers continue to support him as our enquiries continue.
‘We have made two arrests in connection with the incident, and both remain in police custody at this time.
Gwent Police said officers are continuing to investigate the matter, as distressing footage has circulated on social media
Eventually the adult calls off the boys and lets the victim go, as the distressing video ends
‘We are also aware of a separate incident from earlier in the day, where a different child was reportedly assaulted.
‘I’d like to reassure our local residents that we have a team working on this case also, and enquiries are ongoing at this time.
‘We understand the worry and concern that incidents of this nature can cause, and would like to thank the community for the information they’ve given us up to now.
‘No matter how small, any piece of information can prove vital in informing our investigation.
‘With that said, I’d also like to urge people to not speculate on social media but to contact us immediately if they have any details they think could help our investigation.’
Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or message on social media, quoting log 444 of 14/05, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
