A teenage girl has had her hair set alight after being repeatedly kicked in the face and body during a terrifying robbery at a skate park in Melbourne's outer south-east.
Seven youths set upon the 15-year-old girl at the Frankston Skate Park last Friday.
One of the alleged offenders – a 13-year-old boy – had been released on bail for other charges just three hours before the horrific attack.
Police say the group lured the girl to the Cranbourne Road park about 9pm.
A boy allegedly started throwing chocolates at the victim, before a girl pushed her to the ground and punched her, Frankston detective Senior Constable Ryan Collins said.
The girl was repeatedly kicked in the face and body while she lay cowering on the ground, before one teen used his cigarette lighter to set her hair alight.
"We believe a boy kicked her repeatedly in the face and body while she was on the ground," Senior Constable Collins said.
"It is alleged a [boy] then demanded her bag and mobile phone, while another teen used his cigarette lighter to set her hair alight.
"The group then ran off with her bag."
The girl managed to run home and was taken to Frankston Hospital with a fractured right hand and serious swelling and bruising to her face.
Police have arrested and charged the seven offenders, aged between 12 and 14.
Of the alleged offenders, four are 14 years old, two are 13 and one is 12.
The 13-year-old boy has been charged with armed robbery, assault and breaching bail.
It is understood he has been remanded in custody.
The 12-year-old alleged offender also remains in custody.
Senior Constable Collins said the act of setting the girl's hair on fire was "certainly concerning and an aggravating factor" in the case.
Frankston Skate Park employee Jake Griffin said he was working at the skate park before the attack on Friday night.
He said he saw "some guy" run from the train station up the road and into the skate park, who was then arrested by police.
But he said that incident occurred earlier in the evening, around 6pm, and there was no one working at the skate park at 9pm on a Friday.
"We open and close it, but you can use it outside of our hours," Mr Griffin said.
"There isn't much reason for us to be there after it gets dark."
He said the attack was "disgusting".
The skate park had applied to have lights installed in the past, but the application had been refused by local council, Mr Griffin said.
Frankston City Council has been contacted for comment.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.