DETECTIVES investigating the serious assault on a woman in Runcorn who was hospitalised by a group of youngsters have stepped up their search to find the attackers.

At around 9.50pm on Saturday, May 14 a 20-year-old woman was walking on Southway with two friends.

As the trio approached the entrance to Trident Retail Park, at the junction with West Lane, she was attacked by a group of unknown youths – both males and females.

The victim was punched and kicked by a group of around 10 young people. 

Following the attack, the offenders fled the scene.

The victim sustained serious facial injuries and remains in hospital receiving treatment.

Enquiries in relation to the incident have been ongoing throughout the weekend and officers have now renewed their appeal for witnesses and video footage.

Detective Chief Inspector Clare Coleman, of the Northern Crime Unit said: “This was a totally unprovoked attack and I want to reassure residents that we are committed to doing all we can trace the people responsible.

“As a result of our enquiries, we have now been able to confirm that the attack took place between 9.40pm and 9.55pm, near to the roundabout at the junction of Southway and West Lane, and we would urge anyone who was in the area at that time to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to hear from a number of motorists and pedestrians who were seen in the immediate area at the time of the attack.

“Specifically, the driver of a Ford car, which was parked by the zebra crossing at the location of the attack, who is seen returning to his vehicle at the time of the incident and may have witnessed the assault.

“I’d urge anyone with any information – no matter how small – to contact the team at Runcorn.”

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.