A group of teenage boys accused of pelting a vulnerable woman with flour and eggs in Bury St Edmunds have been given safety and security advice from the police.

The assault, which happened in St Olaves Road at around 5.30pm on Friday, July 27, has sparked outrage across the country after a picture of the alleged assault was published and shared on social media.

Suffolk police have warned the public not to take the law into their own hands, with Acting Det Supt Barry Byford adding that the force do ‘not support vigilantism in any way, shape or form.”

A spokesman for Suffolk police said although they were not under police protection, the teenagers “have been given personal safety and security advice”.

Two 17-year-olds and three 15-year-olds arrested in connection to the incident and have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

They are set to answer police bail in mid August.

A sixth boy, a 16-year-old, has also been questioned under caution.

Acting Det Supt Barry Byford said officers were continuing to support the victim of the assault and urged the public to let police handle the investigation.

He said: “This is a live investigation and we do not support vigilantism in any way, shape or form.

“Social media users should remember that sharing names and images, which may later form part of a criminal investigation, can disrupt or jeopardise the case.

“We are satisfied that we have spoken to everyone involved with the incident and we are continuing to support the victim.”