A girl is recovering today after being punched and kicked in the face by a gang of teenagers.

The 14-year-old has a black eye, neck injuries and cuts to her mouth following the assault at Broadfield Barton in Crawley.

She was walking with two friends a gang of girls and boys, aged 14 to 16, started following them along Pelham Drive.

One of the female gang members grabbed the 14-year-old by the hair and pulled her to the ground.

The victim was then kicked and punched in the face while her two friends were made to turn their backs.

Afterwards the gang ran away and the three girls made their way home.

A police spokesman said: "They are obviously all extremely distressed and shocked by what happened.

"This was a violent and unprovoked attack and we are keen to speak to the people responsible as soon as possible."

Anyone with information about the assault, which happened just after 10.30pm on Saturday, should call the police on 0845 6070999.