A GIRL was verbally abused by a large group of young people on bikes and scooters before she was kicked in the leg and assaulted to the head.

The victim, a local 13-year-old, required hospital treatment following the attack in Christchurch.

A police investigation into the assault, which took place on April 1, is ongoing and now the force has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Officers are also asking anyone who may have recorded the incident to contact police.

The victim left the park next to Mudeford Community Centre at around 3.15pm.

She started to walk with a friend along a gravel footpath that runs between the community centre and The Runway when a group of around 20 young people riding bicycles and scooters started shouting verbal abuse toward her.

One female member of the group approached the victim and kicked her in the leg, causing her to fall to the ground. The victim got up and continued along the path, but was further assaulted to the head. The girl was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

PC Erin Hill, of Christchurch police, said: “We have only just been in a position to speak to the victim of this incident and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of the park, community centre or the footpath at the relevant time and either witnessed the incident, or captured it on a mobile phone, to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210051702.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

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