A furious shopper has been left with bruises on her elbows after being knocked to the ground by a speeding cyclist in a town centre.

Louise Matthews was visiting Ashford high street with her 81-year-old mother when it felt like she was “rugby tackled to the ground” outside County Square shopping centre and Greggs.

The 56-year-old had just left Holland and Barrett at about 4pm on Monday when the cyclist barrelled into her from behind.

“I was whacked in the back and I landed on my elbows and knees,” Ms Matthews said.

“My mum saw it happen, she said it was a teenage boy between the age of 12 and 13 wearing grey. He was going at such a speed and whacked me, and just carried on riding.

“I'm a pretty fit 56-year-old, I've got a couple of bruises on my elbows and my chin, but I couldn’t help but think, what would have happened if it was my mum who was hit?

“She could have been really hurt or broken a bone. There are lots of people in Ashford who walk with frames, or it could have been a child, it could have been so much worse.

“One guy went running after him but he was on a bike so he was able to get away.”

Kind witnesses stepped in to help Ms Matthews and a Greggs staff member brought her water and a chair to sit on.

But she is now calling for better security in the town centre amid fears similar incidents could happen again.

Ms Matthews added: “It makes you think, is it safe to go into Ashford? Do I really want to go there?

“A security guard from County Square just stood there. He denied all knowledge of seeing anything when I asked.

“I was obviously sorry to hear of the visitor's experience...”

“He could have said there are security cameras, if you ring 101 it might be useful.

“When I grew up, Ashford used to be a lovely place and now there is nothing there, it's quiet and it’s really sad to see.

“That young person probably doesn't care, but they must have noticed they hit me.

“It was like being tackled by a New Zealand rugby player. I am thankful for everyone who came over to help me, there are still some kind people out there."

A spokesman for County Square confirmed the centre received a report of the incident.

“I can confirm at 5.25pm on Monday an online contact form on our website was completed and sent by a member of the public making us aware of an incident in the high street outside Greggs,” they said.

“I responded to the email Tuesday at 2.50pm and asked the person for additional information concerning the incident and their interaction with a security officer in order that I can investigate.

“I have not yet received a response so I am currently unable to investigate or comment further.

“While the high street is not part of County Square’s remit, we always endeavour to support the public, emergency services and local businesses if we are made aware of an incident locally.

“What would have happened if it was my mum who was hit?”

“We often receive praise, thanks and compliments about our high level of customer service and reactive support.

“I was obviously sorry to hear of the visitor's experience in the high street and expressed concern for her welfare and recovery.”

Ms Matthews has reported the incident to police, and KentOnline has approached the force for comment.

Earlier this year, some traders in Ashford said they felt nuisance bikers and e-scooter riders have become worse since cobbles were replaced with tarmac further down in the Lower High Street.

The work formed part of a £600,000 project by Kent County Council to improve the “look and feel” of the town centre, as well as “enhancing” safety for pedestrians.