NEIGHBOURS screamed “get off her” as a gang of “feral” boys and girls beat a woman outside her home.
The victim was left lying in the road seriously injured after the violent incident in Witham, Essex on Saturday night and was rushed to hospital.
The woman, in her 40s, had asked the group of youngsters – six teenage boys and girls – to leave the area.
Her injuries are not thought to be life threatening or life changing but she remains in hospital after the attack.
The victim of the brutal attack was recovering at her house – in Home Secretary Priti Patel’s constituency – today.
She was too upset and injured to talk about what happened, other than confirming she went outside when she heard a commotion.
Wellwishers kindly sent a large floral bouquet to the bruised and battered woman’s home.
Her neighbour said: “I could hear girls screaming outside and someone shouted, leave her alone get off her.
“It all sounded quite chaotic. I did’t go outside as I have a little baby so have to think of him.
“I just hope she’s going to be okay.”
Another resident said: “People need to know what’s happening.
“What’s the world coming to when people are being attacked outside their homes?
“The police need to catch these people before they attack again.”
Another woman, who asked not to be named, added: “I was shocked to hear that feral teenage girls were involved with the attack.
“That’s what jumped out – I wouldn’t expect that to have been the case.
“I just hope the woman who was hurt is ok.”
Other residents reported having their cars attacked and wing mirrors being smashed off by a gang of youths on Saturday night.
Officers in Essex have upped high visibility patrols in the area following the incident, with police believing that six teenagers were involved.
The teens have been described as white and thought to all be around 15 to 16 years old.
District Commander for Braintree & Uttlesford, Chief Inspector Colin Cox, said: “This was a shocking attack by a group of young individuals who left a woman lying in the street alone and injured.
“Although we understand that those living in the area will find this alarming, I would like to reassure the community that incidents such as this are rare and that our teams will be investigating all possible leads to identify these individuals.
“My Community Policing & Town Team officers, alongside those from Witham Community Special Constables, will be conducting high visibility patrols across the area and will challenge all individuals who seek to act in ways that are simply unacceptable.”
A spokesman for Essex Police added: “Anyone that may have witnessed the incident, or those who have dash cam or doorbell footage from the area, is asked to please contact Braintree Local Policing Team (LPT) on 101.
“The crime reference number to quote is 42/96795/21.
“You can also submit a report online or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.
“Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
