Police have confirmed they are investigating after two teenage schoolboys were attacked by a gang of strangers in a town centre park.

In the first assault, the Maidstone Grammar School pupil was left with bruising and a cut lip after being set upon by several older youths in Mote Park in Maidstone.

The second attack happened five days later in the park when a teenager was slapped and punched.

Police say the daytime incidents do not appear to be linked.

Officers have visited the school in Barton Road to offer reassurance to students and they have stepped up patrols in the area.

Parents of youngsters are being urged to tell their children to be on the lookout for “a group of unidentified individuals” and alert the police.

The secondary school’s deputy head teacher has sent a message to “exercise extra caution” following the incidents on Saturday, May 10 and Thursday, May 15.

She wrote: “Unfortunately, over recent days, we have received reports of two incidents where students have been approached and subsequently assaulted.

“These incidents have occurred during daylight hours, at the weekend and also after the end of the school day.

“Police have been made aware of these concerns, and we ask that all students who access/use Mote Park exercise extra caution and vigilance at this time and report any concerns immediately to the police.

“We would be grateful if you could speak to your son/daughter to make them aware of this information if they use Mote Park.”

Police say they are investigating and anyone with information which may assist inquiries should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/78529/25.

It comes just weeks after reports of a man “behaving suspiciously” and following a teenage boy and woman in the same recreation area.

Officers were called several times between March 9 and April 16 after reports from concerned members of the public of inappropriate behaviour.

Now, officers are appealing for anyone who may have information to come forward.

The man is alleged to have followed a woman and a teenage boy in Mote Park and another woman in Penenden Heath Road, Maidstone.

On April 4, a man in his 20s was questioned in connection with offences of a similar nature in the town centre as part of an ongoing investigation.