Four German teenagers were injured when they were shot at with airguns on Frinton seafront.

The students, who are staying with host families in the town, were sitting in a shelter at the bottom of Connaught Avenue when the attack took place at about 9.30pm last night.

It is believed that at least two weapons were fired by people hiding in the undergrowth.

All four teenagers, two boys and two girls aged between 14 and 16, were hit in the chest and one of the injuries to one of the girls drew blood.

Sgt Alan Rusbridge, of Walton police, said it was a frightening experience for the youngsters and an incident police were taking extremely seriously.

"It is very fortunate that no-one was seriously hurt and we could have been looking at a very different outcome here," he said.

"All the youngsters have marks on their bodies from where they were hit and we know at least two weapons were used from pellets found at the scene."

Police will be speaking to all the foreign students staying in the area and giving them advice.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw someone carrying an airgun, or who witnessed the incident, to come forward. They can be contacted on 01255 851212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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