A TEENAGE girl lost a tooth and needed stitches to her face when she was attacked on a night out.

The 18-year-old from Rayleigh had been to nightclub Evoke in Chelmsford with her friends celebrating New Year’s Eve.

On their way home walking down Tindal Street the teenager was assaulted and ended up receiving serious facial injuries which required hospital treatment.

Investigating Officer Pc Chris Abbott said: "The victim has lost one tooth and will need extensive dental work to save others that have been loosened and moved in the attack. She also suffered a bruised and cut lip which needed four stitches as well sustaining bruises to her face, arm and back.”

The victim did not see the suspect and neither did her friends. It is believed they may have been part of a mixed group of about seven white men and women who were in their late teens or early 20s.

Anybody who witnessed the incident, which happened at 2.30am on Thursday, January 1, or anyone who has any information, is asked to contact Pc Chris Abbott at Chelmsford CID on Essex Police 101.

People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through an Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org