A 36-year-old woman who needs an electric wheelchair to move around suffered injuries to her back when she was seriously assaulted in the street.

Police say the woman had left a friend's house was travelling home in the wheelchair when she was verbally abused by a group of youths in Peel Drive, Sittingbourne.

She ignored their taunts and continued on her way. But as she approached the junction of Sailsbury Road and Broom Road somebody pulled her hair.

The woman leant forward to protect herself and received four to five punches in her back. The assault then stopped and she saw a group of around five youths running in the direction of the railway bridge.

The incident happened on Sunday (March 5) at around 2pm. PC Andy Bell said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this cowardly attack, especially the driver of a red or burgundy car which was seen in the area at around the time of the assault.

“Perhaps a member of the group involved will search their conscience and let us know who was responsible for this disgusting behaviour.

"This is a seemingly unprovoked assault and I am keen to do everything in my power to ensure that those involved are arrested and put before the court.”

Anyone who can help police with the investigation is asked to contact Sittingbourne Police Station on 01795 419178 or Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.