TWO teenagers were racially abused while being mugged by up to 30 people in an area blighted by gang violence.

The victims, aged 15 and 16, were walking in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, towards Winns Terrace when they were surrounded.

A gang member used a marker pen to draw on one of the boys' faces, while the other was hit over the back of the head and had his mobile phone stolen.

He was taken to hospital and received treatment for a cut.

The victims suffered repeated racial abuse during the attack.

The gang were young black men, but included one white youth and a young black woman wearing bright pink trousers.

The victims are both white.

Residents have spoken out about a gang which repeatedly attacks homes, shops and cars in the area.

When the Guardian publicised their plight, police promised to tackle the problem by increasing patrols in the area.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened on Saturday at around 5pm, can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.