YOUNGSTERS were mugged on their way home from school in two separate incidents on Wanstead High Street last month, a headteacher has confirmed.

The 12-year-old boys from Wanstead High in Redbridge Lane West  had mobile phones stolen by teenagers on both occasions.

Chris Van Bussel, headteacher at the school, said: “Four of our students were targeted in two incidents last month.

“Given that they happened in close proximity to each other I have been in contact with police about an improved presence on the high street.”

Mr Van Bussel said children had been told not to get their phones out, to go straight home from school and to walk in groups where possible.

And he said that letters had been sent home to parents reinforcing those points.

He added: “Immediately before the first incident I had spotted two unfamiliar teenagers aged between 16-18 hanging around outside the school.

“I went over to ask them what they were doing and they said they were waiting for a friend, but I made them leave because I didn’t like the look of them.

“A member of the public told me she thought she had seen one of them put something in their pocket which could have been a weapon.”

Mr Van Bussel says he returned to the school and was about to report the incident to police when two boys returned to tell him they had been mugged.

He said: “Their descriptions of the muggers matched those of the boys I had seen.”

The second incident involved a gang of teenage boys, also aged between 16-18, who threatened two boys on High Street before stealing their phones.

Mr Van Bussel said: “They were not the same boys who carried out the first mugging.

“But you do wonder if they are targeting the school specifically and it is worrying.

“None of our students were hurt in these incidents but they were very upset by them”

Teachers from Wanstead High School patrol High Street every five to six weeks.

Mr Van Bussel said: “While we do everything we can to ensure our students safety we cannot be everywhere all the time once they leave for the day.

“We are in discussion with police and we will see what happens next.”

Redbridge Police have been asked to comment.