A WOMAN has been hospitalised after being punched and kicked by a group of youngsters in Runcorn.

A 20-year-old woman from the town sustained serious facial injuries as a result of the incident, which happened at around 9.50pm yesterday, Saturday.

The victim was out walking with two friends when she was attacked by a group of young people at the entrance to Trident Retail Park.

The offenders fled the scene following the unprovoked attack. Some of them were on bicycles.

The victim was taken to the nearby Halton General Hospital and she remains in hospital receiving treatment for her injuries.

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and detectives are urging anyone with any information or dashcam footage that may aid their investigation to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Helen Rowland, of Runcorn CID, said: “The victim was punched and kicked by a group of around 10 young people whilst she was out walking with friends.

“This was an unprovoked assault that has left the victim in hospital with serious facial injuries.

“I would like to reassure members of the Runcorn community that it is believed to be an isolated incident.

“I would also like to reassure them that we are determined to establish the identities of those responsible for the appalling incident and make them face the consequences of their actions.

“We are currently following a number of lines of enquiry.

“As part of our enquiries, we want to hear from anyone who was in the Trident Retail Park area of Runcorn around the time of the attack.

“Perhaps you witnessed the incident or saw the people involved, or maybe you have dashcam footage that could assist our investigation.

“We also want to hear from anyone who believes that they may know the identities of the offenders.”

Anyone with information or footage that may help the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Constabulary via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/ or call 101, quoting IML 1268970.

Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.