A woman has spoken of the terrifying moment she fought off an attacker.

Nicola Rafferty was walking back to her nan’s house in Milton Regis, when she says she was grabbed from behind around the throat.

As the man continued to strangle her, the 30-year-old screamed and put up a fight. Fortunately he let her go.

The attack happened close to K&S Racing, Milton Road, Sittingbourne, at the junction with Mill Way, shortly after 3am on Saturday, April 14.

“I’m 5ft 2 and a size 10. I would say he’s a little taller than me, probably about 5ft 3 and not very big, had he been bigger I don’t think I’d have got away" - Nicola Rafferty

She said: “I left Life [in Sittingbourne High Street] at 3am, I think. My friends tried to get me in a cab but I wanted to walk so I separated from them.

"I had no bag, keys, coat or phone because I left them in Life. I didn’t think to go back for them because I was drunk.

“I crossed the zebra crossing over to the same side as where Morrisons is. That was when he came behind me and got me by the throat [he then] pushed into the back of my knees which made me collapse to the floor.

“He had me by my throat the whole time.”

Unfortunately she was unable to get a good look at the man.

“I didn’t see his face,” she added. “I was drunk but that doesn’t make [what he did] it right. I was kicking and trying to get away. I remember screaming and being frightened.

“I’m 5ft 2 and a size 10. I would say he’s a little taller than me, probably about 5ft 3 and not very big, had he been bigger I don’t think I’d have got away.

“I’ve got bruising around my neck, a scratch to my chest, grazes to my right hip and a big bruise on the inside of my left knee and fingerprint marks on my right leg.

"My throat’s till sore now and I can’t swallow properly.”

Miss Rafferty is now warning others to take care.

She said: “I was lucky. Don’t walk home on your own, make sure you stick with your friends and you get a cab.”

“I was lucky. Don’t walk home on your own, make sure you stick with your friends and you get a cab" - Nicola Rafferty

Last month, a woman was grabbed in nearby Dover Street.

Officers released an e-fit of the man following the incident which happened early on March 22.

The 23-year-old was walking through a car park when her attacker put his arm around her and tried to lead her off.

The man continued to follow her despite her pushing him back several times and only left her alone once they reached a main road.

He is described as black, between 20 and 25, about 5ft3ins tall, with black hair and was wearing a white and grey hooded top, black jacket, black jeans and dark shoes. Police say they are not linking the two incidents at this stage.

Call police on 101 quoting reference XY/12465/15 for the Milton Road incident.

Call PC James Harris on 01795 419387 quoting reference XY/10096/15 for the Dover Street one.

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