A GROUP of women was ambushed by two carloads of male thugs in a terrifying incident. Their vehicle was boxed in by two other vehicles full of young hooligans.

The thugs got out of both cars and began kicking the women's car while screaming abuse at them. The trapped victims could only watch in horror as a mallet was used to smash the side window of the car, while one of the thugs lay on the bonnet to stop the driver escaping the ordeal.

Glass from the smashed window caused cuts to the face and legs of one of the passengers. The driver finally managed to drive away and contact the police. The ambush happened during the early hours of Saturday, April 20, and police are now appealing for help in catching the culprits.

The women had pulled in at the Temple Farm Service Station in Cuxton Road, Strood. While the driver was paying for fuel, two other cars came into the service station.

The men in the cars tried to attract the attention of the women by blowing kisses and talking on their mobile phones.

After leaving the service station the women, who come from the Tonbridge area, drove off in the direction of the motorway bridge. It was at this point one of the other cars - a Seat Ibiza - overtook with the youths hanging out the window and screaming.

The women were forced to pull over to the kerb, which was when the second car - a silver Volkswagen Golf - pulled up behind them and boxed them in.

Witnesses have described the offenders as around 19 years old. One is said to be black, wearing a red jumper. His companions were two white men - both of slim build and short, light brown hair - and a man of Asian appearance of slim build, short, dark brown hair and a beard.

PC Anne Adams said: "This was a nasty, unprovoked attack. I would appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who recognises the offenders' descriptions to contact Medway Police on 01634 884252, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."