Youngsters attacked in Gunters Lane

They were picked on by two youths hanging around outside and were punched and headbutted.

They were walking along Gunters Lane and tried to ignore threats being made but were attacked then followed to Windmill Drive where they were confronted again outside the post office.

Bexhill High executive principal Mike Conn described the incident as “mindless violence” by young “thugs” who themselves were not pupils at the school.

On hearing about the incident he asked for any information from witnesses and was then able to inform Sussex Police about what happened with descriptions of the attackers.

He described the incident as “nasty” and was quick to reassure pupils and parents via the Bexhill High website.

He commented: “One set of parents has contacted me asking about safety of students as they leave our premises at 5pm. For me, this is not a matter about light or darkness but about behaviour. Those responsible for such violent behaviour will be dealt with in a very strict manner.

“Can I reassure everyone that we have staff at the main gate at 5pm every day, along with the premises team who are by the building entrance. We also have safety marshals along the road, and on the time in question there was a marshal on duty very close to the incident.

“Any attack is extremely serious, but like other schools we will work with the police to seek out the perpetrators.”