A teenage schoolboy had his nose broken by a fellow pupil after a brawl erupted outside a Thundersley school.
The 14-year-old from Benfleet had to be taken to hospital as the beating left him with a broken nose, a lip injury and a variety of cuts and bruises.
Police said things could have been worse for the youngster if local residents hadn't intervened in the attack outside King John school in Shipwrights Drive.
Police have launched an appeal for those who helped save the lad from a more substantial assault to come forward.
An Essex Police spokesman said: "Police want to speak with witnesses to the assault in which the boy sustained significant facial injuries.
"The attack happened on Wednesday, October 2 just after 4.30pm when pupils were leaving King John School. Several local residents came to the aid of the teenager who was bleeding heavily.
"His mother later contacted police to report the assault and as a result officers are looking to speak with the people who assisted the boy."
Anyone with information should call Rayleigh police on 01268 775533.
Published Friday October 11, 2002
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