A SCHOOLBOY was pushed off his bike and repeatedly punched and kicked on the floor by a gang of teenage thugs in Basildon.

The 11-year-old was riding home from school and was assaulted when he reached the Big Q shops, in Whitmore Way, at about 3.30pm.

He was approached by a gang of three teenagers, all believed to be wearing school uniform.

Two women who were walking by intervened and managed to stop the schoolboy from being attacked further.

Nothing was taken from him.

The three boys then fled the scene.

The victim made his way home and is understood to have not needed hospital treatment, but he did sustain cuts and bruises to his face and body.

He was left shocked and shaken by the attack.

A mum-of-two, who did not want to be identified, witnessed the aftermath of the attack.

She said: “I heard lots of banging and shouting and when I turned round the corner there was a young lad on the floor and two women with him.

“I couldn’t see the people who had hurt him.

“I can’t believe that it was youngsters attacking another youngster - it is just awful.

“Thank goodness that these women intervened otherwise you just don’t know what would have happened.”

She urged other parents to keep an eye on their children making their own way home from school.

So far no arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing.

An Essex Police spokesman urged witnesses to come forward.

He said: “Police have received a report of an assault on a child in Basildon.

“The incident took place in Whitmore Way, shortly after 3.30pm on Tuesday, May 23.

“It was reported the boys pushed the child off a bike, following a verbal altercation. The boys then proceeded to punch and kick the victim before members of the public intervened.”

Officers are looking for anyone who may have witnessed the assault, to contact Basildon Police station on 101 or Crimestoppers.