A COUPLE has been left feeling “physically sick” after watching a shocking video of their daughter being attacked by older bullies.

Emma and Lee Wharton have since shared the video online in an attempt to highlight the issue of “unacceptable” bullying and have had thousands of responses which have lifted the teen’s spirits.

The pair understand that Upton-by-Chester High School has now expelled four pupils following the attack on Erin Phillips on Tuesday, February 12.

Mr Wharton, Erin’s stepfather, said: “We really want to push the bullying awareness to as many children as we can. We don’t want any other kids to go through this, and that’s why we’re taking it public.”

Chester and District Standard:

Erin with mum Emma and step-dad Lee.

The clip shows the moment a student, from a year above Erin, catches up to the 14-year-old on a street near the school as she walked to meet her mother at a nearby shop.

With other students watching and filming, the older girl carried out her “premeditated” attack as she grabbed Erin by the hair before holding her down and repeatedly kneeing her in the face.

The shaken youngster detailed everything to her concerned family immediately, but it was to get worse as a video of the assault was soon sent to Erin, from Little Sutton, leaving her feeling “very angry and emotional.”

Mother-of-two Mrs Wharton, meanwhile, admitted feeling guilty about allowing the situation to unfold.

She said: “This has been going on for a month and I feel guilty because I’ve brought both my girls up not to be fighters.

“But if I’d toughened them up a little bit, it might not have happened, so I’m finding it really difficult to process.

“When I watched the video, it actually made me physically sick. It’s been something that was thought about, and premeditated. They’ve waited for their chance and gone for it.”

Chester and District Standard:

Erin with step-dad Lee.

Mrs Wharton said: “I am one of the lucky ones where they [her children] can come to me and will tell me things.”

Cheshire Police were notified about the incident by the family later that evening and the couple are happy with their response to the assault.

Mrs Wharton said: “The police have been absolutely brilliant.

“The way the officer in charge spoke to Erin really helped her open up a bit more. They’re doing a great job.”

Upton High School is said to have conducted its own investigation into the matter, to the delight of the family who were “waiting for them to dish out the most severe treatment they can to those involved”.

Chester and District Standard:

Erin and mum Emma.

Erin has been kept off school since the attack but it is hoped she will return after the half-term break.

Mr Wharton believes more needs to be done to protect children from bullying.

“Schools should be looking out for signs of bullying instead of waiting for children to come to them because they’re scared to,” he said.

“We need teachers and prefects to be looking out for this and sorting it out.”