A secondary school is taking steps to protect its pupils after an unprovoked attack was launched on a teenager on a nearby footbridge.

Staff at the North School in Ashford are set to patrol the crossing between Osborne Road and Essella Road until the end of term following the attack.

The victim, 19, was left covered in blood after being approached from behind by a man who hit her on the head with an unknown object, causing a number of injuries.

Police are still hunting the suspect who is described as a white man aged between 30 to 40, 6ft tall with short, curly brown hair.

He was believed to be wearing a light blue top and dark shorts during the incident on Sunday, July 8.

North School deputy head teacher Glenn Prebble says teachers are keeping a close eye on the crossing.

He said: "We are all really concerned and there will be a staff presence on the bridge to give students some reassurance.

"These measures will be in place for the next week and will quite likely be be extended until the end of term."

The victim - who was walking to work alone - was taken to the William Harvey Hospital but has since been discharged.

The incident happened at 9.20am.

Neighbours living either side of the footbridge have spoken out following the attack.

One woman, who did not want to be identified, was the first to help the injured woman after she heard screaming and crying outside of her house.

"I ran outside to find the woman hysterical and covered in blood," she said.

"Lots of my neighbours came running over but none of them had witnessed the attack.

"I was surprised to see something like this happen, but I think there definitely needs to be CCTV by the bridge as a lot of school kids pass through here every day."

A police spokesman said officers are reviewing all CCTV available.

The attack was not sexually motivated and nothing was stolen.

Detective Constable Samuel Minichiello said: "Thank you to those people who have come forward with information so far.

"Anyone else who was in or around the area at the time of the incident, or was perhaps driving nearby and has dashcam footage of anything suspicious, should contact me as soon as possible."

Anyone with information can call 01843 222289 quoting reference 08-499. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.