The community has been left in shock after a ‘sick’ video emerged showing a gang of youths violently attacking a 15-year-old boy in Weymouth.

Police say they are investigating after the video – which was posted on social media – shows the victim being punched, kicked and stamped on by around 10 young people.

The attack happened on the Rodwell Trail last Friday night.

A 14-year-old local boy was arrested on Monday evening on suspicion of assault but has since been released under investigation.

A 15-year-old local boy and a 16-year-old local girl have voluntarily attended the police station and were interviewed and have both been released under investigation.

Amazingly, despite the vicious nature of the attack, the victim was not seriously injured, police said.

The disturbing video shows the group of youths, both male and female, pull the boy to the ground. Several hold him down while others punch, kick and stamp at his head and body. They repeatedly push him to the ground as he tries to stand.

The video ends with one male perpetrator brutally stamping on the victim’s head.

A Dorset Police spokesman said the force was aware of the video and officers were investigating.

They said: “Officers have spoken to the 15-year-old victim who has been checked over at hospital, but has since been discharged with minor injuries.

“We would like to reassure the public that officers have identified a number of people believed to have been involved in the incident and the investigation is ongoing.

“We are also aware of a number of threats reported to have been posted on the video and we will take action if any crimes are identified.”

Jon Orrell, Weymouth and Portland councillor for Weymouth East condemned the attack as ‘vicious’ and ‘cowardly’ and urged residents to contact police with information.

A Portland resident, who did not wish to be named, said they could not believe such an attack could happen in Weymouth.

“It’s shocking. My kids used the Rodwell Trail to ride their bikes and play and it’s not safe anymore. How can a gang pick on someone like that and the fact that someone is filming it – that’s so sick. To think these people don’t value the life of a young person or think of the consequences,” they said.

Cllr Tia Roos said she was sent the ‘appalling’ video by several members of the community and had reported information to the police.

She said: “I was so upset by it I couldn’t watch all of the video. It’s shocking to see the level of violence towards an individual.”

However, she urged people to think before using social media to ‘name and shame’ individuals.

“The victim may not want the whole world to watch what he has been through and the perpetrators have family who are innocent and are probably appalled by what has happened. There are victims all round,” she said.

Weymouth resident John Pitman he said could not believe the attackers thought they would be able to get away with such an attack after ganging up the victim and filming it. I can’t believe it’s happening in Weymouth. I understand these things happen in the city where there’s more crime but not here.”

Cllr Richard Kosior, councillor for Weymouth West said the incident was ‘disturbing’.

“I do sincerely wish the police investigate this crime fully and make sure that the full appropriate use of the law that is available is used for those that are found guilty.

“My main concern is also for the injured person, not only did they receive physical injuries, but also, no doubt, mental anguish of becoming the victim of cyber bullying. This can have far reaching consequences, and I wish that person concerned a speedy recovery,” he said.

Lee Grinrod who runs Teep Muay Thai, a martial arts group, in Weymouth said: “After seeing the video on my news feed I was almost brought to tears. It made me angry that these ‘kids’ could do that.”

Mr Grinrod said, he had been a victim of a vicious attack ten years ago and it had stuck with him ever since.