A 17-year-old American judo champion with sights on the Olympics managed to defend his girlfriend and himself from serious injury when they were attacked by a frenzied group of around 12 girls in Chelmsford trying to rob them.

Now his father, Stephen Van Scoyoc, is offering a £500 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the attackers.

Douglas Van Scoyoc, one of the top judo fighters in America, who is training in the UK, was returning from a night out with his girlfriend when they were attacked.

They were waiting for his girlfriend's father to pick her up from Parkway, beside Central Park when two girls confronted them, demanding money.

When they refused the gang surrounded them and the assaults began. It is believed all the girls were of school age.

Douglas said: "They were hair pulling, punching and kicking. It went on for about three minutes."

Mr Van Scoyoc said: "He did not want to hurt them and was basically trying to keep them off, defending his girlfriend and himself."

His son's girlfriend suffered eye injuries and her face was very swollen and his son had a badly bruised nose and his glasses were smashed.

Both were treated at Broomfield Hospital.

The incident happened on Friday February 2 about 11.45pm.

It is believed the girl gang had previously threatened another girl victim but she had no cash. Chelmsford Police are investigating.

If anyone can help they are asked to contact PC Julian Stewart or the crime desk on 01245 491212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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