Taunting yobs poured white spirit over a 12-year-old girl before holding lighters up to her body.
The group surrounded the youngster as she walked from school to her home in Dilbridge Road, St Anne's, Colchester, at about 5.30pm yesterday.
Police recovered the empty fluid bottle from the roadside and have launched an investigation to trace the culprits.
Colchester police crime reduction officer Colin Stiff said today: "They sprayed this stuff over her and then held lighters up in the air at her. She declined hospital treatment but was advised to take precautions by washing her face thoroughly."
He added: "This was a very serious situation. There was a danger her eyes could have been damaged and there was also intimidation. We are very concerned and appealing for any witnesses to come forward."
In another incident, a 13-year old girl was set upon in an alley between Glebe Way and Rosemary Way, Jaywick, at 7pm on Monday. A gang sprayed a can of deodorant in her face before setting light to the fumes.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, December 16, 2004
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