Bullies won't '˜beat' brave Sheffield attack victim

When Courtney Rodgerson was set upon by up to 30 teens as she walked home on Saturday, the 13-year-old was left so shaken she was afraid to leave the house.

And after at least three videos of her attack were uploaded to social media, attracting over 350,000 views in the process, Courtney was forced to relive her ordeal several times.

But after receiving support from her friends and family, and kind words from Star readers who have responded to her story, her mother Toni Rodgerson says the teen is now beginning to move on.

The 29-year-old, of Stannington, said: “She’s doing a lot better than she was.

“I don’t think she’s going to let this beat her.

“She went out with her friends after school last night and she said that she felt alright doing it.

“I’ve read all of the comments on the story, and most of the people were nice about it.

“I think people know that what those kids were doing wasn’t right.

“I am absolutely disgusted by what they did. I think their parents need to report them for what they’ve done.”

The attack took place in Penistone Road, Hillsborough at around 3.45pm, when the unprovoked attack took place, during which Courtney was pushed to the ground and into park railings, had her hair pulled and was kicked in the head.

Only two members of the group of teens were known to Courtney prior to the attack.

South Yorkshire Police are now investigating the incident, and are appealing for witnesses.

A spokesman said: “Police are investigating following reports of an assault on a teenage girl

“The girl suffered minor injuries as a result of the incident but did not require hospital treatment.

• Call police on 101, quoting incident number 770 of April 23, 2016.