Two schoolgirls have been too terrified to leave their homes after being beaten up, burned with a cigarette and held hostage, their parents claimed today.

Cara Baldock, 14, of Linden Way, Canvey, is still sporting a black eye and burns to the neck following the ordeal and is too frightened to return to school along with her best friend Carly Rice, 14.

Victims - Carly Rice and Cara Baldock, both 14, suffered a beating Picture: ROB BROWNE

Cara's mum Angela said: "Both girls have been left traumatised by the attack."

Mrs Baldock said she rang the education authority after both girls refused to go back to Cornelius Vermuyden School, in Third Avenue, Canvey, for fear of a repeat attack.

Carol Skewes, school headteacher, said: "We have held a series of meetings with the parents of the two pupils and I am confident they will be returning as soon as possible.

"We have a number of good measures in place to deal with situations like this and we are satisfied, with these in place, the pupils will be happy to come back."

Sgt Kevin Diable-White said: "The matter is under investigation."

Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003

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