TWO schoolchildren have been left terrified of walking to school after being set upon by a gang of thugs.

Police are appealing for witnesses after two schoolchildren were assaulted as they walked home in Maplin Way, Thorpe Bay, on January 6.

The teenagers escaped uninjured from a group of five men at about 3.45pm but no longer feel safe walking to school.

They had just crossed over the bridge at Thorpe Bay train station when they were approached and then kicked and punched.

They both managed to break free and ran away from the suspects who fled by foot towards Delaware Road.

The attack left no visible injuries.

The suspects are white and black men, aged between 18 and 22, all of a skinny build, around 5ft 8ins and 5ft 11ins tall. All wore full black tracksuits with hoods and bandanas.

Three of the attackers had branded tracksuits made by True Religion, Nike and Duffer.

One of the men was wearing a gold necklace.

PC Matthew Stannard said: "This incident involves the assault of two schoolboys which has caused them and their friends great distress and fear to the extent they are now scared to walk to school.”

Anybody who might have seen anything or anyone with any information should call Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.