Horrific video footage has been posted online of a gang attack on a 13-year-old boy who suffered serious facial injuries.

The attack took place on the Alton Estate, one of the largest council estates in the UK, which runs between Richmond Park golf course and Roehampton Lane.

The video, which detailed an attack by at least three teenagers, has gone viral on social media with more than 3.1m views, provoking demands for immediate police action.

Last night – Tuesday - the police issued a statement saying that two teenagers – aged 13 and 15 – will appear in Wimbledon Magistrates Court.

It a statement posted online, the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were called at 19.00 hours on Sunday, February 27, to Wanborough Drive, Roehampton.

"It was reported a teenage boy had been assaulted by a group of people who stole his jacket as well as other personal possessions."

It said: "Two boys aged 15 and 13 will appear at Wimbledon Youth Court … charged with robbery."

The father of the victim alleges the teen was subject '40 minutes of torture' as he was dragged between tower blocks on the estate.

"It's just horrific and we are devastated," he said.

Despite the fact the video has been seen millions of times, the police warned that people should be 'mindful' about sharing material that could prejudice legal proceedings.

The Victims' Commissioner for London, Claire Waxman, has asked people not to share the video of the attack on social media to prevent further distress to the victim's family and because prosecutions are now being taken.

A GoFundMe page for the young boy and his family has raised almost £5,000 in just 12 hours.

The incident is the latest in an alarming trend for gangs to capture their attacks on smartphone videos and then share them on social media.

Just last year, vicious girl gang attacks on girls as young as 12 in Twickenham were filmed and shared on Instagram.

Subsequently, three girls were arrested but there were no prosecutions, drawing condemnation from the parents of one victim and the Twickenham MP, Munira Wilson.

UPDATE

The youngster at the centre of the attack has received support from hundreds of people across the country, including the rapper Silky, former SAS sergeant and author, Chris Ryan, footballers and TV presenter Rav Wilding.

This morning the Metropolitan Police said: "In regards to the incident in Roehampton, we have arrested a further 14 year old male in relation to this. He is being interviewed at a South London custody suite in relation to the ongoing investigation.

"Also, we have seen comments about the victim having broken bones as a result of the incident. His injuries were dealt with in hospital and had no broken bones."