A teenager has been left deeply shocked after being attacked by a gang of up to ten girls as she walked home.

The 16-year old, who has not been named by the police, was walking along Furtherwick Road, Canvey, at 6pm last night, when she was approached by the group of girls, a police spokesman said.

Sgt Kevin Diable-White, said: "There were up to ten girls in the gang and they started punching the victim in what appears to have been a motiveless attack.

"The teenager suffered bruising, scratches and pains to her chest where some of the girls had kneed her as well as hitting her."

The girl's ordeal ended only when a member of the public driving past repeatedly sounded her car horn in a bid to scare the gang away, said Sgt Diable-White.

The passer-by also alerted the police to the attack and officers rushed to the scene.

Sgt Diable-White said: "The officers found the girl in a distressed state and she asked for her father to be called to come and get her.

"After her father arrived, he took her to their doctor's surgery to get medical treatment for her cuts and bruises."

Sgt Diable-White appealed for anyone who was driving or walking along Furtherwick Road last night to get in touch with the police.

He said: "This was a very nasty attack that took place in a very public place.

"We are very keen to trace the girls involved."

Anyone who can help the police with any information about the incident is being asked to contact PC Jim English, of Canvey police, by calling 01268 511212.

Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003

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