POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 12-year-old boy was beaten by a gang of up to a dozen youths.

The boy was walking home from school at about 4pm in Grove Green Road, Leytonstone on November 27 when he was set upon by a gang of boys.

They chased him down the street and then repeatedly punched and kicked him in the face and body.

He told officers he managed to get away briefly, but the gang caught up with him and pushed him to the ground before punching and kicking him again.

The victim managed to make his way home and received hospital treatment for his injuries, but was discharged the same day.

Investigating officer PC Robert Teague said: “This is a particularly nasty assault on a lone school boy.”

He urged anyone with information to contact him on 8345 3043, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.