POLICE are warning school children to be on their guard after two pupils were attacked in a vicious robbery.

Youngsters are being told not to walk alone along a cycle path that leads from Ocotal Way to Queen's Drive after the incident on Monday.

Two St Joseph's Catholic College sixth formers were attacked as they walked along the path at 2pm.

One of the students managed to escape after being hit in the face, but the other was beaten to the ground and repeatedly punched and kicked before the gang of four thugs ran off with his wallet.

Police were quickly on the scene and arrested four youths aged between 15 and 18, but they are still keen to hear from any witnesses.

Community beat manager PC Matt Barnett said: "They were subjected to a fairly sustained and vicious attack.

"We want people who use that cycle track to be aware that this has happened.

"Those using it should do so in reasonably sized groups. We don't want any school kids going down there if it can be helped."

Police have stepped up patrols in the area.

PC Barnett said: "Hopefully, this is an isolated incident. We would like to reassure parents that we are doing what we can to nip this in the bud."

The boy who was kicked to the ground suffered cuts and bruises.

PC Barnett said: "They were lucky.

"When people start knocking people to the ground and kicking them it's serious and we will treat it seriously.

"Anyone who commits a robbery where they beat somebody to the floor and repeatedly kick them can expect a custodial sentence if convicted.

"This is not playground stuff. While they have been lucky not to receive serious injuries this was a brutal attack."

While the two victims were allowed to be out of school at the time of the attack, police have warned they will come down hard on anyone caught skipping class.

"The school has been brilliant," PC Barnett said. "Particularly head teacher Peter Wells, who has been extremely cooperative. We have a strong partnership with them and obviously we hope to continue that."

The four youths arrested, who are not pupils at the school, were questioned at Gablecross police station before being released on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information should call PC Barnett at Swindon police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.