Police have renewed an appeal for information on the ninth anniversary of a brutal attack on two schoolchildren.

Officers want details on an assault carried out on a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy with a metal bar on a cycle path from Tawneys Road to Great Brays, Harlow, on Sunday, January 8, 2008.

The incident took place at around 5pm as the two teenagers stopped to fix a light on a BMX bike.

The girl was then struck on the head with a metal pole twice, knocking her to the ground. She suffered two deep gashes to her head, which required 12 stitches.

The boy also suffered head injuries requiring stitches after being struck over the head about six times.

The suspect, who ran from the scene empty handed, is described as white male, aged between 25 and 30 years, and has brown stubble. He was wearing black trousers and new looking white trainers.

Detective Sergeant Leo Fordham said: “We’re revisiting the case on the anniversary of the crime to see if anyone might have any memory or knowledge of what happened.

“This was an unprovoked and particularly vicious attack on two innocent children and nine years on we’re still keen to find out who did this.

“Someone must know something and if this appeal brings back some memories then we want to hear from you.”

Anyone with information, particularly people walking their dogs who were seen in the area at the time, are asked to call Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.