Robbery gang attacks girl, 14, on Shrewsbury river towpath

Police are appealing for information about the attack which happened in broad daylight between 3.40pm and 4pm on Tuesday and left the girl with injuries to her face which required hospital treatment.

The victim was walking along the towpath which runs alongside the River Severn between Lesley Owen Way and Telford Way when she was approached by four men who blocked her path.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "The victim handed her bag over to them and tried to walk away but as she passed them one of the men grabbed her from behind and pulled her to the ground.

"The youngest man in the group then went on to physically assault the girl repeatedly while she was on the floor.

"The victim closed her eyes during the attack and when she opened them again the men were walking away from her towards Castle Fields.

"One of the men then walked back towards her and spat at her, they then carried on walking away laughing."

The first suspect is described as around 50-years-old, approximately 5ft 8 in, of medium build with a large stomach. He had a long dark grey beard, which was pointed in shape and came down to his chest. At the time of the attack he was wearing a grey T-shirt and carrying a small bin liner. He was also wearing a thick yellow beanie hat.

The second suspect was described as around 20, approximately 6ft 2 in, of skinny build, with bright blue eyes and stubble on his face. At the time of the attack he was wearing a thin yellow jacket with grey tracksuit trousers and black Adidas TT trainers. He was also carrying a JD swing bag.

The third suspect was described as around 5ft 6 in, of average build. He also had dark stubble on his face and was wearing a yellow beanie.

The fourth suspect is described as looking similar to the third, but wearing a hat which was pulled back to show dark hair. All of the men are believed to be of Eastern European descent.

Detective Sergeant John Weaver said: "This is an incredibly violent incident on a young girl in broad daylight. The girl was taken to hospital with injuries to her face, requiring treatment.

"The descriptions of these men are quite distinctive and we are hoping someone in the community is going to recognise them. Anyone who has any information at all is urged to contact us immediately."

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident 519 of November 18. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers at https://crimestoppers-uk.org by calling 0800 555 111.