Off-duty US Marines attacked by group of teens in Southern California

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - A group of teenagers brutally assaulted three off-duty Marines last week after a simple request to stop lighting fireworks on a California beach escalated, according to reports.

A viral video circulating on social media depicts the distressing incident that took place at San Clemente Pier on Friday.

In the footage, a person is seen throwing a punch at one of the victims from behind before a large fight breaks out. Two Marines are then surrounded and physically attacked by a group of over a dozen teenagers.

The video shows the Marines lying on the ground in a fetal position and covering their heads as the teens punch and kick them.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department confirmed in a release on Instagram that the altercation occurred on Friday, which it said involved "several Marines and numerous juveniles and young adults.”

"Our deputies arrived on scene and investigated the incident. OCFA was on scene but all victims refused medical assistance," it said, referring to the Orange County Fire Authority.

"The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will continue investigating this matter until all individuals responsible are identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," it added.

There were no arrests made, the East Bay Times reported.