FOUR youths aged between 12 and 14 have been arrested following a serious assault in Cheshire.

At about 9.50pm on Saturday, May 14, a 20-year-old woman was walking on Southway, Runcorn, with two friends.

As the trio approached the entrance to Trident Retail Park, at the junction with West Lane, she was attacked by a group of unknown youths – both boys and girls.

Following the attack, in which the victim sustained serious facial injuries, the offenders fled the scene.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment, and she is now recovering at home.

Detectives investigating the assault have now arrested four youths in connection with the incident.

The four youths – a 12-year-old boy, 13-year-old girl, 13-year-boy and 14-year-old boy – have all been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault – grievous bodily harm with intent.

Two of them have been released on conditional bail, while two remain in custody where they are assisting officers with their enquiries.

DCI Clare Coleman said: “This was a totally unprovoked attack, and I want to reassure residents that we are committed to doing all we to ensure the people responsible are held accountable for their actions.

“Four youths have already been arrested in relation to the incident and our enquiries remain ongoing.

“As part of our investigation, we are continuing to appeal for information and video footage and would urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to come forward.

“We would specifically like to hear from the driver of a Ford car, possibly a Focus.

“He was parked by the zebra crossing at the location of the attack and is seen to approach the youths at one point – he is a key witness and we hope he will assist the enquiry.

“I would urge anyone with any information – no matter how small – to contact the team at Runcorn.”

Anyone with information or footage that may help investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Police via cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/ or calling 101, quoting IML 1268970.

Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org