A SIXTEEN-year-old girl was punched and kicked in the face by a gang of young women in Southampton city centre.

They threatened and then attacked the youngster who was with a group of friends in Guildhall Square.

She was punched in the face several times and had her hair pulled. One of the girls then kicked her in the face, breaking her nose.

The attackers were all aged around 17 and white. One was of large build with long, straight, black hair. She was wearing black leggings and a black cardigan over a white top.

The other two were smaller. One had long, straight, black hair while the other’s was reddish-brown.

Police believe the girl was deliberately targeted and it was not a random assault. They are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which happened at about 6pm on Saturday, December 3.

Anyone with information should call PC Tracey Purcell at Southampton Central Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.