An "unprovoked" attack has seen a group of teenagers "punched, kicked and stamped on" and their belongings smashed.

The group of friends were enjoying the warm weather by the River Stour in Chartham near Canterbury yesterday evening, when they were reportedly assaulted by a large group of young people.

Taking to Facebook, the mother of one of the young victims described the horrific attack, explaining: "They’re a good group of kids enjoying a day at the river."

She wrote: "My daughter and five of her friends were attacked by a group of 14 to 15 teenagers along the river between Chartham and Milton Bridge.

"They were between 14-16 years old. It was unprovoked.

"Two of the boys in her group were punched, kicked and stamped on.

"Their possessions - clothes, trainers, mobile phones and a speaker were smashed and thrown into the river.

"This group was too intimidating for passers-by to intervene..."

"One of the girls was pushed and hit."

She said the attackers then headed in the direction of Chartham, adding: "We think they got onto a bus towards Ashford.

"I don’t want this to stop our children enjoying themselves but my daughter and her friends are in such an awful state.

"If anyone saw the group and recognised any of them any information would be great.

"We know a few people walked past as the boys were getting kicked and punched on the floor.

"Understandably this group was too intimidating for passers-by to intervene."

The incident has been reported to the police.

Officers attended the scene shortly before 6.15pm, and are now appealing for any witnesses to get in touch.

A spokesman for the force said: "Shortly before 6pm on Tuesday, June 1, it was reported that the victims, a group of six teenagers, were socialising by the River Stour when a larger group of around 15 people approached them asking for cigarettes.

"It was reported that the belongings of the victims including mobile phones were then thrown into the river and damaged.

"Two boys and two girls were assaulted. A wallet containing cash and cards was also taken.

"Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who offered help to the victims afterwards."

Anyone with information regarding the disturbance should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/95217/21.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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