A traumatised woman has spoken of her terror after she was repeatedly punched in the face in a random attack during a morning walk.

The 26-year-old was brutally attacked by the stranger on the Crab and Winkle line in Whitstable at just before 8am on Saturday.

She says she was punched about 10 times after being confronted by the man, who was walking in front of her, before the vicious beating.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "I was about 20 steps behind a man when he turned off. It was as if he was he about to go down an alleyway, but there wasn't one there.

"So I got my phone out to ring my brother and he came out and swooped towards me.

"He punched me in the face knocking me into a ditch and then he just kept hitting me. He must have punched me about 10 times as I held the phone to my face to protect myself."

"He punched me in the face knocking me into a ditch and then he just kept hitting me. He must have punched me about 10 times as I held the phone to my face to protect myself..." - victim of random attack

The ordeal lasted for less than a minute before the man fled through the All Saints churchyard leaving the woman with both physical and mental scars.

She added: "I suffered a fat lip, bruised ribs and I fell into stinging nettles so I had a few scratches, but I was really lucky.

"I thought he was going to walk past me and I got away with it. I felt relieved my brother picked up and I was able to tell him where I was.

"I'm completely up and down at the moment. I do feel nervy about going out. My boyfriend won't let me be on my own and every time I'm out I think I can see him.

"I just want to let other women know because a lot of people use that route like me. People need to know about this man."

She described the man as dark skinned and in his mid to late 30s, of medium build and with a shaven head. He was wearing a scarf, black leather jacket and one leather glove.

The woman reported the incident to the police who are investigating. Witnesses are asked to phone police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Stories you might have missed

Inquiry launched after 'idiot' gatecrashes Brands Hatch

Man hunted over 'gun' raid

Thugs jailed for 22 years for hammer attack

Man suffers head injuries after go-kart accident