A mother has described being left shaken after three adolescents reportedly pursued and verbally abused her and her two young sons at a Hove playground.

The incident occurred at Hove Lagoon in the play area, where her children aged nine and six were present.

The woman, who has not disclosed her identity, shared a detailed account of the encounter on a Brighton community Facebook group.

According to her account, the three young people involved – two girls and a boy believed to be aged around 13 to 14 – began mistreating the family and attempting to force them off the playground equipment.

She reported that when she stepped in to defend her children, the teenagers turned hostile toward her, using abusive language and attempting to intimidate her sons by making growling and barking sounds.

The group reportedly made several attempts to physically reach her.

She remained assertive and instructed them to cease their behaviour, yet they continued, with one directing a derogatory insult toward her.

The situation intensified as she attempted to exit the play area.

She stated that the male teenager struck out at one of her children near the face using a plastic bottle, while one of the girls encouraged him and inquired whether she could participate in the attack.

The woman indicated she would contact the teenagers’ educational establishment to report their conduct.

As the family sought to depart, approximately ten additional young people apparently gathered to join in with abusive shouting directed at the mother and her children.

She noted that at this stage she felt particularly exposed, prompting her to move toward the main road where more members of the public were present.

She expressed astonishment at the conduct and indicated that some time elapsed before she recognised the need to contact law enforcement, which she subsequently did.

The woman subsequently appealed to the public to share any comparable experiences or imagery that might assist in identifying those responsible.

Sussex Police commented on the matter, confirming that a report was logged on Tuesday 18 August concerning an incident from the previous afternoon at approximately 5pm, during which a child reportedly behaved violently at the skatepark on Kingsway in Hove.

Investigations were conducted and have now been concluded, though officers continue patrolling the locality.

Any reports of comparable conduct should be directed to police via their online reporting system or by telephoning 101.

For emergencies, the emergency number 999 should always be used.