A TEENAGER was "set on fire" as masked men attacked a group of youngsters at a lake.

The brutal assault happened at Swanbourne Lake in Arundel in the early hours of today.

Reports have been widely circulated on social media saying a group of youngsters were robbed and beaten by masked men and were seriously hurt.

It was claimed that barbed wire was used in the attack and one of the teenagers suffered a broken jaw.

The Argus:

The youngster who was allegedly "set on fire" was said to be "in a bad way".

Following these reports, Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses "after two teenagers suffered serious injuries in an assault on a group in Arundel".

A spokesman said: "At about 1am, a group of 17 and 18-year-olds were in the woods near Swanbourne Lake, Arundel, when they were approached by three or four people wearing balaclavas.

The Argus:

"The group were assaulted with one teenage boy suffering a broken jaw and back injuries and a second teenage boy suffering a cheek injury and a burn injury on his leg."

West Sussex Superintendent Miles Ockwell said officers believe there may be young people in the area who will be able to provide more information on the violent incident, and encouraged them to contact police.

He said: "The level of injuries involved in this assault are abhorrent and the behaviour from the suspect group is completely unacceptable.

“The two boys who have suffered the most serious injuries were taken to hospital for medical treatment and have since been discharged.

The Argus:

"Support is being provided to them both and the other members of the group at this time.

"We believe there may be some young people who know who the suspects are and we are encouraging you to come forward.

"We are urging anyone who may have been in the area or witnessed the assault to make contact with us immediately. You can help our investigation and ensure the relevant action is taken against those involved."

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to report this online or call 101 quoting serial 55 of 29/07.