THE victims of a knife and an alleged CS gas attack have criticised the Crown Prosecution Service, claiming: "Justice has not been done."

They are furious that a schoolgirl involved was charged with two minor assaults instead of more serious offences by CPS lawyers.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to joining armed Andrew McKay, 22, in the unprovoked attack.

She assaulted two women as McKay used a Stanley knife and allegedly CS spray to attack an off-duty policeman he recognised at Chichester Metro Station, South Shields.

As McKay slashed at the officer, the girl went for the women, kicking and punching both.

She pulled out a clump of one woman's hair.

The other was off work for five months with neck injuries, the court was told.

She was originally charged with violent disorder, which was reduced to common assault.

Yesterday, a spokesman for the group, which totalled 16 - including two other off-duty policemen and six women - said they were angry the CPS accepted lesser charges.

"We don't feel justice has been done in any way, shape or form, especially towards this girl. It is an absolute disgrace," he said.

McKay, of Egglesfield Road, South Shields, pleaded guilty to a charge of affray and two charges of carrying an offensive weapon, one of which was a lock knife.

A plea of not guilty to using a CS gas spray was accepted by the prosecution. Charges of affray and assault were not proceeded with.

He admitted burglary at an earlier court appearance.

McKay, who was remanded in custody, and the girl, who was released on conditional bail, will be sentenced on December 1.