Warning: readers may find the content of this video extremely upsetting.
Disturbing footage of a group of young females beating up a schoolgirl in a McDonalds in Brooklyn, New York, as a baying crowd cheers them on has emerged.
The nearly three minute-long video shows the group pouncing on their victim, kicking and punching her. When she falls to the ground, and attempts to seek refuge under a table, they drag her out again to continue their attack.
One woman strips to her underwear and brutally stamps on the girl's head, shouting "get up", as the victim tries to shield the blows with her arms. Finally, a member of the public intervenes, as another can be heard muttering "murder".
The victim, who was a 15-year-old student at Erasmus High School, was hospitalised overnight after the attack, and colapsed at her home two days later, NY Daily News reported.
According to the video, the victim suffered two black eyes and bruises to her head during the attack, which took place on Monday.
"We are asking that young lady to not be afraid," local community activist Tony Herbert told news station Pix 11. "Come forward. We will stand with her."
Police say they have reviewed the video with officials at the nearby school but the victim and her family have yet to file a complaint. Officials believe the fight stemmed from an ongoing feud over "someone telling lies" about the victim.
The owner of the franchise, Paul Goodman, said in a statement: "The safety of my employees and customers is my top priority.
"In keeping with my restaurant policy, my employees contacted the police at the onset of this situation. As part of the Flatbush community, I will continue to work with the NYPD and community leaders to ensure the safety of customers. Since this is now a under police investigation it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."