People have described a gang of teens as "little psychopaths" and "feral" after a sickening attack was filmed.
Merseyside Police confirmed officers are appealing for information following reports of the assault in Old Rough Park, Kirkby, on Saturday, April 22. The girl was allegedly lured to the park when she was met by a large group of teenagers who approached her and assaulted her.
Video footage shared on social media shows the girl, 12, being dragged to the floor, punched in the face and kicked by an older girl. A group of children surrounded the pair while they scrapped on the floor, with several aiming kicks at the 12-year-old.
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One child can be heard saying "smash her head in" and "chat s*** get banged" during the shocking incident which happened at around 4pm. The 12-year-old's mum told the ECHO it is "every parent's nightmare" and she hasn't been able to watch the footage due to the graphic nature.
The mum, who the ECHO isn't naming to protect the identity of her daughter and extended family, said: "I can't watch the videos - they are sickening. It shocked me to see this - she's not a fighter.
"These kids are feral - I've never seen anything like it. I think the most shocking part of it was the way boys who didn't even know her were joining in. You had older boys kicking her in the head.
"It was absolutely vile. I want to draw attention to it to try and make sure their parents are aware of what they did. This is how bad these children are."
The mum said her daughter's school is aware of the assault. But she added they are now staying away from Kirkby and are looking for housing and a school place on the Wirral. The mum said: "I'm not putting her back in that environment. It would be my fault if something like this was to happen again."
The victim reportedly suffered bruising and swelling to her face. The unedited video sent to the ECHO showed the girl's face bloodied following the assault. Her mum added: "She's very bruised and shook up, but she's not scared to go out the door. She's a resilient girl."
Merseyside Police confirmed an investigation into the assault has been launched. The ECHO understands officers are in the process of reviewing footage and have asked for any witnesses to come forward with information.
Community Inspector Mark Berry told the ECHO: "This is an attack on a young girl who was left very shaken and distressed, and suffered injuries from the assault. It appears that this was a targeted attack on the young victim by a large group of girls, which is totally despicable and cowardly.
"This behaviour will not be tolerated. We will not stand by and allow people to harm and threaten the safety of others in our community and are looking to identify the offenders involved. If you were in the park at around 4pm and saw this incident then please come forward. Alternatively, if you have information on the assault which will assist us with our enquiries then please contact us so we can take positive action."
ECHO readers have shared their disgust and shame after seeing the video.
Joanna Martin said: "I sincerely hope this poor girl is ok and all involved are brought to justice.. absolutely disgusting."
Sal Bowers said: "Parents should be ashamed. I hope all involved get charged and parents fined. Fed up of the so called youth making everyone feel intimidated to go out their own homes."
Bridget Whitlock said: "Absolutely disgusting, these kids are feral."
Tristan Ril Jorgensen said: "Parents need to be held responsible for their little psychopaths. But no one's gonna do anything, are they. That's why this keeps happening."
Rosaline Kearney said: "Stronger punishments for the bullies."
If you have any information please contact us via @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, with reference 23000347940. You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
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