A father and son kickboxing duo have offered to train two teenagers for free after they were beaten by a gang of girls on their way home from school.

Leigh Haworth, and his son Paul, from Star Kickboxing in Shorne, made the offer after reading about the attacks on Ellie Stevens, 13, and Katy Webb, 14, in the Gravesend Messenger.

The teenagers were assaulted within minutes of each other by a group of girls while walking home from school.

Katy was left traumatised when the girls ripped out clumps of hair as they pulled her to the ground in Russell Road.

Her parents Stephen and Sara said she was too scared to leave the house and needed the lights switched on in every room in the days afterwards.

Ellie was confronted by a group in Canal Road, who asked her if she was scared before swinging punches at her.

The 13-year-old screamed for them to get off her after she too was pulled to the ground.

The violence only stopped when a motorist shouted for the girls to stop.

The Meopham School pupils say the older girls were wearing uniforms belonging to St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School.

Police confirmed they were investigating the assaults on Wednesday, January 21.

The offer consists of two months' free training at the club’s base in the Apex Business Park in Queen Farms Road.

Leigh said: “We have made this offer to Ellie and Katy because we are very vigilant when it comes to bullying at schools and to adults as well.

“Our job is to build confidence of our students. We have seen in some cases where it can go through the roof.

“We hope to play our part in rebuilding their confidence after these assaults.”

Ellie’s dad John said he was very happy with Mr Haworth’s offer. He said: “It’s something Ellie would enjoy I think.”

While Katy’s mum Sara added: “We are very grateful for the offer and we will certainly take him up on it. Katy is still a bit fragile at the moment so anything to help boost her confidence is much appreciated.”

Police say three girls have been interviewed in relation to the assaults and inquiries are continuing.