A 17-year-old boy was attacked with a baton by a group of up to 20 youths at a park in Gravesend.

Police were called to Woodlands Park, at around 8pm on Wednesday.

Reports on social media suggest the young man was jumped by a group of 15 to 20 youngsters.

The mother of the boy assaulted, who wishes to remain anonymous, confirmed the boy was hit four times with the baton - twice on the back, and once on the leg and arm.

She said: "I felt sick. It made me feel physically sick.

"They should put more security in the park, it's getting worse there. They need to stop it.

"I think they should shut the park earlier."

Hiedi (cor), 44, Perry street in Gravesend is a mum of two and she thinks the park is becoming unsafe for residents and their children.

She said: “My daughter who is 12 has just started to want to hang out with her friends from school there at the weekends but I’m now quite reluctant to want her to go.

“Many of us parents are now feeling too scared for our children’s safety, not just in the park but anywhere in Gravesend and Northfleet, we’re all very anxious that our children will be targeted for no other reason than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“I so want my children to have the freedom I had when I was younger but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. Many of us believe that not enough is being done to protect our innocent children from unprovoked attacks.”

The childcare professional think it’s not long before parents will make a stand of their own.

She said: “I think there would be many parents who would man the park so we know our children are safe to play without fear of unprovoked attacks.”

Kent Police confirmed two suspects were identified at the park by officers.

Spokesperson James Walker said: "Officers attended the scene and identified two suspects, an 18-year-old man from Gravesend and a 14-year-old boy. Both were detained on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.

"The man was arrested and has since been released from custody pending further enquiries. The boy was taken back to his parent’s house."

Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting 06-1447.

Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.