ILFORD: Woman injured in gang attack (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

ILFORD: Woman injured in gang attack

7:05pm Monday 9th November 2009 in Your Local Areas By Sam Adams

A YOUNG woman was left with cuts and bruises all over her body after being attacked by a gang of men in the early hours of the morning.

The 22-year-old was assaulted as she walked along Ilford High Road with her boyfriend at about 3.30am on Sunday, October 25.

The pair were approached by a gang of eight men - all thought to be of Somali origin - outside Topal Food Centre at the junction with Francis Street, who began to try and talk to the woman.

One of the men attacked her when she told them to leave her alone, cutting her left arm and left shoulder blade and causing bruising to her neck and body.

When her partner tried to help he was held back by other members of the group, but eventually managed to free them both - suffering a cut to his elbow in the process.

The woman's attacker is described as a black male, approximately 19 to 20 years old, and of athletic build.

He was wearing dark jeans, a light coloured t-shirt and a dark jacket at the time - and had a 'corn row' hair style that came down to his shoulders.

Police have not yet confirmed whether a knife or other weapon was used in the attack, or a possible motive.

The man's height has also not yet been revealed.

Anyone with information should contact DC Kate Stannard on: 8345 2715.