A GANG of youths beat school pupils with bats as they celebrated their end of exams at a woodland party.

The 'frightening' and 'unprovoked' ordeal unfolded in Didcot on Thursday night, after a group of students decided to throw a party at an area known as Leaver's Wood.

Thames Valley Police said the 'impromptu' bash was located at a wooded area just north of the Ladygrove estate, opposite the Avon Way junction.

The force said 'a group of youths' arrived shortly before 11pm, 'armed with weapons including bats' and wearing face coverings.

They assaulted and attempted to steal items from two victims.

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One suffered a fractured cheekbone and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, but he has since been discharged.

A second victim was struck on the head, but did not require hospital treatment.

The attackers are all described as being in their late teens and were wearing tracksuits, hooded tops and face coverings.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Darren Little, of Force CID based at Abingdon police station, said: "This was a frightening incident for the victims, who were out celebrating completing their exams.

"The attack appears to have been completely unprovoked and I am appealing for anyone who may have been present at the party and witnessed the incident to contact police."

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Police said some of those attending the party parked their cars in Cray Court in Ladygrove, before crossing the A4130 and walking into open fields and the woodland nearby.

DC Little appealed for anyone with mobile phone footage of what happened, or who knows the attackers, to call 101 quoting reference number 43190186708.

Anyone who does not wish to talk directly with police can make a report online, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.