16 June 2012 Last updated at 06:29 ET

Southend woman's face gouged during mugging

The victim was left "severely distressed and covered in blood"

A 22-year-old woman had her face gouged during a mugging by a gang in a park in Southend.

It happened at 12:30 BST on Tuesday in Southchurch Hall Park.

A female attacker scratched the victim's face while four men kicked her in the legs and waist and stole £62, store cards and a gold chain.

Det Con Rory Scarlett said: "This was an absolutely terrifying attack on a woman who was left severely distressed and covered in blood."

Police said one line of inquiry is that an organised gang may be responsible for a number of muggings in the area.

The victim, who asked to be named only as Leanne, has agreed to the police releasing a photo of her injuries.

Forced to ground

She told the police she was grabbed from behind and had her hair pulled back by the female who led the attack.

Essex Police have produced an efit image of the female attacker

The four men helped force her to the ground and the gang stole her bag which contained the items.

Leanne was comforted by passersby until the police and paramedics arrived.

Essex Police said the female attacker is thought to be in her 20s, of mixed race and has dark hair in a pony tail.

Three of the men were described as black, wearing black or red hooded tops and thought to be in their early 30s.

The fourth man is described as white, in his 20s, of skinny build and wearing a black jumper.

Det Con Scarlett said: "We want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or from anyone who saw the attackers lurking in the park before the incident or running away afterwards."