THREE teenage girls are to appear in court after a youngster was filmed being assaulted in Blackburn town centre.

Police said a video, which was posted on the social networking site Facebook, showed the girl having her hair pulled, being kicked, and punched in the face.

Three girls aged 16, 14 and 14 have been charged with assault.

They will make their first appearance at Blackburn Youth Court later this month.

The incident was captured on an iPod and a mobile phone and the footage went viral to thousands of people, evoking a lot of anger across the community.

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The 16-year-old victim suffered a swollen nose and right eye socket, scratches to her chin and right thigh and a bump to the head.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “On January 13, a female was subjected to a prolonged pre-meditated attack by three female offenders.

“The main offender was filmed throughout the attack by her two friends using their portable devices.

“Footage of the incident was uploaded onto Facebook, which then lead to widespread outcry both locally and from the wider communities because of the very nature of what had happened.

“After a lengthy and protracted investigation by Blackburn officers, assault charges were secured in respect of three persons.

“The three suspects, aged 16, 14 and 14 have all been charged with section 47 assault and will appear at Blackburn Youth Court on March 18.”