A decision not to prosecute three teenage girls who viciously beat up a 12-year-old girl in a park near Teddington has been met with outrage among parents and the local MP.

The assault happened in broad daylight last April and left the victim traumatised and unable to walk due to her injuries.

It took place at Holly Road Gardens, Twickenham - just 1.5 miles from Teddington and down the road from neighbouring Strawberry Hill.

Video footage of the girl gang punching and hitting their defenceless victim was widely shared on social media and the three attackers were later arrested by police.

But despite the footage, the Met and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) police will not be taking any of the assaulters to court.

Their decision not to prosecute emerged this weekend and was swiftly condemned by the girl's family and the MP for Twickenham Munira Wilson.

The victim's mother told Nub News that she and her family feel "let down, very disappointed and sad."

"I don't know why they are not being prosecuted," she said.

"They post these attacks on Instagram and there are many comments like 'wow', and 'Next time call me'.

"They make videos of these things. They boast about it. It is crazy."

The mother, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the attack had left her daughter with severe bruises and longer-lasting trauma.

"My daughter sometimes feels scared, she is really strong and I am very proud of her. Sometimes, it is very hard," she said.

"We don't want any problems for our family. I would be happy if we could stop this from happening again, which would be good for everybody," she added.

Twickenham MP Munira Wilson joined calls to prosecute the girl's attackers.

The Lib-Dem Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "As a mother, I cannot begin to imagine both the trauma and fear this family have suffered, and I share their anger that the attackers will not be prosecuted.

"I was shocked and appalled to learn of this awful incident earlier this year and raised my concerns with local police leaders at the time.

"I pressed for more patrols and a swifter, more robust, response to these sorts of incidents."

The MP added: "Parks should be a safe place for children and, at a time where young people have been locked inside for so long, it is heart-breaking to hear that a young girl is now scared to leave her home.

"As a country, and as a local community, we must do more to make sure that young girls feel safe in our local area. I too feel disappointed and sad.

"My heart goes out to the victim, her mother and the rest of the family.

"More needs to be done to make sure that young people feel safe in our local communities and that those who commit such heinous crimes face the consequences."

Last month Wilson fought against the sale and closure of Teddington Police Station.

She pointed out a rise in youth anti-social behaviour including a shocking stabbing at Teddington Lockwhich seriously injured a 14-year-old boy.

The MP said: "I believe a more visible police presence, including an operational police station, with a front counter in the area would be beneficial."

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: "On Monday 12th April 2021, at 15:00 hours, a 12 year old girl was physically assaulted by a group of teenagers at Holly Road Garden of Rest in Twickenham.

"This incident was reported to police at 16.50 hours on the 12th April and an investigation began.

"The assault resulted in injuries amounting to Actual Bodily Harm (ABH). The victim did not require medical treatment at the time of reporting.

"Three teenage girls were arrested, interviewed and bailed for the offence of Actual Bodily Harm.

"The investigation has since been closed with no further action being taken against the three teenagers. The victim has been informed."

Read more on this story on the Twickenham Nub News site..