David Haines (61), senior premises officer at Chichester High School for Girls, was threatened by two male youths and hit in the face, which fractured the left side of his jaw.

His colleague Ken Mitchell, who has worked with Mr Haines for the past five years, has spoken of his anger after the attack.

"David is a really nice fellow and everybody is really angry," said Mr Mitchell, of Selsey.

"I am shocked but not a great deal surprised. We have had threats before but this is the first time there has been violence.

"The kids should not have been on the site."

Headteacher Fiona Oliver-Watkins said: "The staff and pupils at Chichester High School for Girls were shocked and appalled to hear David Haines was attacked at the entrance to the school.

"David is a popular and hard-working member of our staff and it is deeply disturbing this happened as he was carrying out his normal duties. We send him our best wishes for a speedy recovery from his injuries."

The caretaker was attacked after driving to the front of the school and discovering youths loitering and climbing the iconic clock at the entrance.

He was approached by two male youths, who were part of a larger group.
The group was told to leave the site and an argument broke out between Mr Haines and the two youths.

Sussex Police have said he was hit once in the face, which could have been with a punch, a headbutt or with a weapon.

After the attack Mr Haines drove to the A&E department at St Richard's Hospital.

Mr Mitchell said doctors could not operate on him because of the swelling and bruising.

Mr Haines had an operation on Tuesday, December 9 to re-align his jaw.
Police are looking for two 16-year-olds who were part of a larger group of male and female youths before the incident.

The first male is described as white, with a medium build and 5ft 7in. He has short brown hair, was clean-shaven and was not wearing glasses.

He was carrying a dark-coloured rucksack and was wearing a dark long-sleeved top and dark jeans.

The second male is white, of medium build, and is between 5ft 8in and 5ft 9in. He also had short brown hair, was clean-shaven and was not wearing glasses. He was dressed in a light-brown top and trousers.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DS Russell Burgess at Chichester CID on 0845 60 70 999 or, to provide the information anonymously, to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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