KENT Police today appealed for the public’s help after a 25-year-old woman was assaulted in the street after a night out.

The incident, which left the young woman covered in blood and needing hospital treatment, happened in Gun Lane, Strood, as she was walking home in the company of two male friends.

A passing police patrol arrived while the assault was in progress. The offenders made off down Gun Lane towards Kwik Fit. One 17-year-old local man was arrested.

The incident occurred at about 1am on Saturday, December 31, New Year’s Eve, but police have only just issued the appeal.

PC Martyn Garside, who is investigating the assault said: “There was a group of up to eight young men, described as aged between 18 and 20, involved in this incident. I’m asking people in the area who may have seen the events that led up to this, or the assault itself, to get in touch with me on 01634 884252.

“Or you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 111555, calls to Crimestoppers are free and you don’t have to leave your name”.