A teenage boy was hospitalised after being beaten in a playground during school break on Tuesday.

Police said the boy was “kicked and punched” by other pupils at Caterham High School, in Caterham Avenue, Clayhall.

A witness said the boy was set upon by four others following a dispute during break time.

Paramedics were called to the school at 11.15am to reports of an assault.

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Our staff treated one patient, a teenage boy, for facial injuries and he was taken to hospital.”

The school did not respond to inquiries but a Redbridge Council spokesman issued a statement on its behalf.

It said: “There was an incident which the school is investigating thoroughly.

“The young people thought to be involved have been excluded from school while this takes place.”