School children were locked inside their classrooms for their safety when a group of men assaulted a woman outside a primary school in Harlow.

The incident took place outside Hare Street primary school, along Little Grove Road.

The men approached the woman shortly after 2.30pm today (Monday, December 11) and one of them assaulted her with what was believed to be a metal pole.

The men then ran-off towards Harbers Road and the Harvey Centre.

Sarah, a parent who was picking up her children, said: "I went to pick the children up and the gates were all shut. Three police cars were there and loads of officers outside.

"A lot of blood [was] outside the school and we were told [that they had to] lock the children in the school.

"Not telling anybody what went on exactly, there were parents screaming saying 'Let us get in and get to our children'. There was blood inside the grounds as well."

Investigations are currently ongoing and Essex Police have put extra officer patrols in the area.

They are also appealing for witnesses or anyone with information.

The group of men were described as being in their late teens and early twenties.

If you have information regarding the incident, contact Harlow police station on 101, quoting incident 514 of November 11.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.