Police are investigating after a shocking video emerged showing a 13-year-old being attacked by other girls in Watford.

Herts Police were called to La Bottega Italiana in Market Street at around 4.54pm on Saturday (December 16) after reports that a girl was assaulted.

She suffered injuries to her head, face and hand.

In a video posted to social media and seen by the Watford Observer, four girls who appear to be in their early teens can be seen grabbing a seated girl’s hair while slapping, kicking, and punching her dozens of times.

In the video, one member of the public unsuccessfully attempts to step in while others watch, leaving the attackers to continue the beating which lasted around 40 seconds.

Watford Observer: Stills from the video shared online.

According to police, “it is understood the parties involved are known to each other”. The force also confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 or report it online, quoting crime reference 41/100394/23.