A gang of teenagers has left a boy seriously injured in hospital after punching and kicking him in the face outside his school.

The 15-year-old suffered what police have described as serious wounds after he was pounced on after lessons.

Detectives believe a gang of four youths from Crawley travelled down to ambush the youngster as he walked out of the school gates.

Members of the public and a bus driver jumped in to stop the brutal attack, which was carried out in front of dozens of shocked pupils.

The teenager was taken to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton with severe facial injuries and he was kept in overnight.

Police are investigating reports that members of the gang were brandishing a knife before they battered the boy.

Last night four youths were released on bail by police after being held overnight on suspicion of affray, assault and causing grievous bodily harm. They were arrested in Hassocks shortly after the attack on Monday afternoon outside Downlands Community School in Dale Avenue.

One parent, who asked not to be named to protect his child’s identity, said: “I have been told they were carrying a knife. They beat him in front of everyone. Loads of kids saw it happen. They left him lying in a pool of blood.

“We’ve heard the poor kid is in a pretty bad way. Apparently the gang waited for him to leave school and then jumped on him.

“It’s frightening being a parent.

When I was young people would fight with their fists but now you hear of knives and kicks to the face.

“I just feel sorry for the boy’s parents. They must be devastated. It must be heartbreaking to hear your child has been attacked after school.”

Police said the suspects were from the Crawley area and it is understood they were joined by two girls, who are being treated as witnesses.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “Four males aged 17 and 18 have been bailed pending further investigations.

“A staff bus driver and members of the public rushed to help the victim.

“He was punched and kicked and suffered serious injuries as a result of the attack.”

Detective Sergeant Sian Griffiths, of Haywards Heath CID, is leading the investigation.

Downlands headteacher Walter Clarke said: “The incident happened at the end of school involving some lads from out of the area. The matter is being investigated by the police.”

West Sussex County Council, the education authority which runs the school, refused to comment on the incident.

Do you know the people involved in the attack or the injured boy? If so, call the newsdesk on 01273 544511.

Anyone with information about the attack should call Haywards Heath CID on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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