A WOMAN was kicked and spat on in an attack this week, prompting an investigation by Isle of Wight police.
The victim was attacked as she walked between Lake Cliff park and Oaklyn Gardens in Shanklin between 12.45 and 1am on Wednesday.
A police spokeswoman said a 37-year-old woman was spoken to by a group of seven youths in Lake Cliff park.
"Five of the youths then followed the woman throwing items at her, possibly small stones or berries, and continually made verbally abusive, homophobic comments towards her.
"The woman hid for a time in Windemere Court before continuing to walk towards home.
"The group had not left the area and were hiding in nearby bushes and continued to follow her.
"In a secluded area between the railway bridge and Oaklyn Gardens the woman was assaulted. She was knocked to the ground before being kicked and spat on," said the spokeswoman.
The woman escaped, having suffered a black eye and scratches to her arms hands and legs. She did not require medical attention according to police.
See below for descriptions of the attackers and details on how to contact the police with information:
Offender one is described as:
White female
16-17 years of age
Slim build
5ft 6ins tall
Long dark hair pulled back off her face in a tight pony tail
Wearing a white short cropped jacket, blue jeans, and white Nike trainers with blue, yellow and orange piping
Offender two is described as:
White male
Approximately 17 years of age
Medium build
5ft 9ins to 5ft 10ins tall
Wearing two stud earrings in left ear, dark baseball cap, black jacket, blue jeans and dark trainers
Offender three is described as:
White male
Approximately 15 years of age
Slim build
Approximately 5ft 4ins tall
Short brown hair
Offender four is described as:
White male
Approximately 17 years of age
Medium build, slightly 'tubby’
Approximately 5ft 8ins tall
Wearing a dark baseball cap with 'NY’ on it, dark hooded top, dark shell suit tracksuit bottoms and dark trainers
Another person present during the assault was not involved and could not be seen completely, according to police
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or has any information which could help identify the offenders can contact PC Andrea Bancroft at Shanklin police station on 101.
Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000.