POLICE are investigating an assault on a woman in her 40s by a group of teenage girls in an alley near a Tesco supermarket in Colchester.

The victim was attacked by a group of teenagers, believed to be between the ages of 14 and 17, whilst walking in Highwoods at around 6.30pm on Tuesday evening.

She was walking her dog through an alleyway between Eastwood Drive and Tesco Highwoods when she was approached by a group of teenagers.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "After a verbal altercation, the victim was assaulted by the girls, who are believed to be between the ages of 14 and 17 years old.

"The victim was not seriously harmed but is, understandably, shaken by the incident."

Essex Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

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Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 42/178533/21.

Alternatively, if you'd like to remain anonymous you can call 0800 555 111.

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