A SCHOOL said it is providing support to a family after a 12-year-old pupil was subject to a violent attack by a group of teenagers.

Dorset Police are investigating the attack which happened near the busy Royal Chase Roundabout in Shaftesbury on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 14.

The victim is a pupil at nearby Shaftesbury School and news of the incident was disclosed at an assembly. The assault occurred after school had finished.

A parent of a child at the school said they understood the victim, a boy, was subject to a vicious attack and they said their heart went out to the boy and his family.

Tim Cook, who serves as a councillor for both Shaftesbury Town Council and Dorset Council, said he has lived in the picturesque town for more than two decades and has never heard of a child being violently attacked.

He said: "I lived in Shaftesbury for 23 years and I have never heard of a child being attacked with violence like this.

"I serve as a councillor for the town with Dorset Council and I will be following this up with the police and the school to make sure this stays as an isolated incident."

A spokeswoman from Shaftesbury School said: "We are aware of the incident which took place after school on Tuesday.

"We are taking this matter extremely seriously and following our policies and procedures.

"Police are investigating so it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.

"Our pastoral staff are focusing their efforts on providing support to the child involved and their family."

Police confirmed officers are investigating the reported attack, but no arrests have been made at this time.

A spokeswoman from Dorset Police said: "We were called at 3.12pm on Tuesday, June 14 to a report of an assault near to the Best Western Royal Chase Hotel in Christy’s Lane in Shaftesbury.

"It is reported that the victim – a 12-year-old boy – was assaulted by a group of teenagers.

"Officers are carrying out enquiries into the report, while no arrests have been made."

For non-emergencies contact Dorset Police on 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.