A YOUNG woman was punched and kicked to the ground by a gang of teenagers during a vicious robbery in St Osyth.

The 21-year-old was walking along Beach Road, close to the sea wall at St Osyth Beach Holiday Park, when the night-time incident happened.

She was approached from behind by four teenagers following which she was attacked and robbed.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “She was dragged to the ground and punched and kicked before the group stole her mobile phone and her handbag.

“Among the items taken were her white Apple iPhone 4S, in a white case with black spots, her iPhone charger, a pair of Nike trainers and a set of chef’s whites.”

One of the suspects was a white youth, aged 16 to 20, more than 5ft 11in tall, and wearing dark tracksuit bottoms. He is believed to have been called Kevin.

The other three suspects were white teenage girls, one of whom was at least 5ft 6in tall and had very long dark brown hair in a ponytail.

The incident happened between 10.30pm and 11pm on July 17.

Anyone with any information about this robbery should call PC Annalise Redden, at Clacton CID, on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.