A TERRIFYING attack by thugs on a group of visiting French students has sparked a big effort to track down the culprits.

The attack, in Gillingham, follows three similar incidents in Rochester, where groups of French students have been spat at, had stones thrown at them and been verbally abused.

Police have now issued CCTV pictures of youths who were in the area at the same time as the latest assaults and are appealing for help in identifying them.

One shocked witness said: "I was sickened by what I saw and wouldn't blame the group for turning round and going straight back to France. It was terrifying and I was left disgusted."

The students and their teachers had just arrived in Gillingham for the start of their educational holiday. They were waiting in a car park in Railway Street to meet their host families when the attack happened.

“I dialled 999 and asked for assistance as there was around 20 of them, many wearing baseball caps. They were punching, shouting and abusing the French students.

“They were terrified. One of the adults in the group, who I understand was a teacher, tried to intervene, but he got punched three times hard in the face by one of the youths.”

Other adults in the party then got off the coach and chased off the yobs, some of whom were on mopeds.

None of the students or their teacher needed hospital treatment, but were left shocked and traumatised by the attack.

A spokesman for Medway Police said: “We did attend an incident in Railway Street, Gillingham on April 19, just after 6.30pm.

“A group of about 15 youths approached a group of French students and the group then assaulted four of the French students.

“A patrol attended, but the victims were unable to give descriptions of the youths who had assaulted them. A group of youths was later stopped and spoken to.”

Chief Insp Des Keers said: “This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are working to identify those responsible for these assaults and are working with our partners in CCTV.

“I would like to assure readers that we will be seeking to impose the maximum penalties for any individuals identified, arrested and charged.”

A Medway Council spokesman said: “We are assisting the police with their investigation and have handed over CCTV tapes.”