A 19-year-old student was knocked unconscious and robbed by a group of youths and girls as she walked along an alleyway.

The student was on her way to nearby shops when she was stopped by five youths who asked for cigarettes near Churchill Avenue at Chatham.

One member of the gang, a girl, demanded money and punched the student in the face, causing her to fall to the ground.

Another gang member, a boy, then hit the student with a piece of wood, causing her to lose consciousness.

The victim recalls that she was found by members of the public. Her handbag had been stolen.

She was taken to Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital and treated for her injuries, which included bruising and swelling to her right eye, nose and mouth area.

A spokesman for Medway Police said: "The girl who punched the victim is about 5ft 5in tall, with dark brown hair worn in a ponytail. She was wearing large twisted hoop earrings, and a white Parka with fur around the hood.

"The boy who hit her over the head with the wood, is between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in, and of medium build. He was clean shaven and wore a baseball cap and a dark coloured hoody. He was also wearing Adidas track suit trousers with a white stripe down each leg.

"One of the other youths between 16 and 18, about the same height as the other boy who hit her, and of thin build. He was wearing a black fleece with a hood. A black youth and another girl were also involved in the robbery."

Police have just released details of the attack which occurrred about 8pm on Tuesday, March 15.

Anyone who may have seen something or who may have information in connection with the incident is asked to contact Medway Police on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls to Crimestoppers are free and are treated in the strictest of confidence.