YOUNG actors from a Kent theatre group were attacked by about 30 yobs as they celebrated a cast member’s birthday.

The youth cast of Jekyll and Hyde, a production currently being performed by Spotlites Theatre Company in Medway, went to The Noodle House in Gillingham to celebrate the 17th birthday of cast member Charlene Weston.

As they left the restaurant six of the lead cast members were attacked by the mob.

The thugs rained punches on the group, leaving them battered and bruised.

Brave James Cowden threw himself into the mob and tried to rescue his friends by fighting the yobs off. He was punched on the head and face and kicked as he lay on the ground. He was left with a swollen face and black eye.

One member, Jon Robbins, 16, from Strood, was on crutches, and was forced to watch helplessly as his friends, including twins Larissa and Miranda Simpson, also 16, from Sittingbourne, and Oliver Morgan 17, from Maidstone, were attacked. Birthday girl Charlene was also hurt.

The actors managed to make their way to a nearby McDonald’s where staff let them in and locked the doors. They then called an ambulance and the police.

Ch Insp Peter Wedlake said: “One member of the attackers is believed to be a white 14-year-old girl who is slim with a blonde ponytail, and was wearing a black hooded top with white fur lining and dark trousers.”

The incident occurred at about 9.30pm on Friday, October 14. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01634 884136.