A 13-year-old boy was taken to hospital after a “brutal attack” near a Dundee primary school.
The teenager was seriously assaulted by up to 16 others, who witnesses say chased the boy “like a pack of dogs”, near North East Campus in Whitfield on Monday evening.
Two areas of Lothian Crescent were taped off by police, who continue to investigate the attack.
The boy’s injuries have been described as serious, after he was taken to Ninewells Hospital in a stretcher and neck brace.
Horrified witnesses said the teenager – believed to be a Braeview Academy pupil – was among a group of youngsters, aged between 10 and 16, at the astro-turf pitch on the school grounds.
As the situation escalated the boy reportedly attempted to flee on his bike before being pursued by as many as 16 youths, shortly before 7pm.
Traumatised children watched in horror as the youngster was attacked at a nearby green space at the rear of the campus.
At its peak members of the gang were said to be jumping on the boy’s head.
Gang attacked boy ‘like pack of dogs’ in Whitfield
One parent, who did not wish to be named, said a nurse rushed to the youngster’s aid before police and paramedics arrived.
She said: “This wasn’t a fight, it was a full on attack.
“This young lad was hunted down by a group who were like a pack of dogs.
“There was around 16 kids pursuing him on their bikes and potentially 10 other kids witnessed what happened.
“A nurse who was about to go to work made him comfortable and tried to keep him still.
“Kids were being spoken to by police.
“The young boy was stretchered away and was wearing a neck brace.”
‘Scary’ for families living nearby
She added: “I’m a parent myself, this was scary.
“You’re reluctant to let your kids out given what happened.
“We’re all just hoping the young lad is alright and makes a full recovery.”
Police are focusing their investigation on three young males and are appealing for anyone with information or footage of the attack to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Sean McCabe said: “This attack has left the victim with serious injuries and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the males responsible.
“We ask anyone with information, which could assist our investigation, to please call police on 101, quoting incident 2087 of October 3.
The Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed two ambulances were sent and a teenage boy was taken to Ninewells.
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