A WOMAN suffered injuries to her face after being attacked twice by a group of girls in Clacton town centre.

Police were called to Pier Avenue after the woman was assaulted at about 11am on Tuesday.

It is alleged that she was approached by three girls and that following a short row she was assaulted.

Police said that the same woman was again attacked at the entrance to McDonald's, in Pier Avenue, at 5.45pm the same day – by the same group of girls.

The victim was reportedly left with facial injuries.

Insp Darren Deex, from the Tendring Community Policing Team, said police were on the scene within eight minutes and arrested three teenage girls on suspicion of assault.

A 14-year-old girl and two 13-year-old girls, from Clacton, were taken to Clacton police station for questioning.

All three girls were released under investigation pending further enquiries into both incidents.

Insp Deex added: “This was an unprovoked attack on a member of the public by a small group of young females. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in our area.

“My community policing team is currently investigating a larger group of youths as part of our ongoing work to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Clacton town centre area and we will be looking to use all of our powers, together with partners, to disrupt, deter and prevent this behaviour from continuing.

“I would urge the community to pull together and assist us with this work and to report any anti-social behaviour.”

Clacton MP Giles Watling has called for the Government to scrap the cap on increases to the police’s portion of the council tax bill to pay for more bobbies on the beat, including in Clacton town centre.

He is now calling on residents to support his campaign by completing a survey on the police precept proposals.

Mr Watling said: “We need more police on the streets and particularly in Clacton town centre, which has suffered from antisocial behaviour this summer.

“I encourage all local residents to complete this survey as it will enable the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to understand exactly how residents feel about the proposal to increase their contributions that will see additional officers on the streets of Essex and where they would like to see extra investment."

Witnesses to the attack are asked to call Clacton police station on 101.

To take part in the survey, which closes on November 19, go to surveys.essexinsight.org.uk/policeprecept.