A MOB of at least 20 men and women kicked a teenager in the back and stamped on his face during an apparently unprovoked attack.

The 18-year-old was walking with a friend along Timberlog Lane, Basildon, near to the junction with Long Riding, when he came across the large gang, who had congregated by the row of shops.

As the pair tried to walk past, members of the gang began swearing and shouting before chasing them down the street.

The teenager, who claims he didn't know anymore in the group, was then attacked from behind.

He was kicked twice in the back, causing him to fall to the floor.

While on the ground, the teenager saw a man kick him in his head and face.

After a few minutes, the victim managed to get up and run off.

Nothing was stolen.

Following the assault, officers searched the area but were unable to find the attackers.

Police are treating the incident, happened at about 9.30pm on Saturday, as assault causing actual bodily harm.

PC Marek Jaworski, from Basildon Police, said: "The two men were walking along Timberlog Lane when this group of about 20 people surrounded them and started attacking the victim.

"He was kicked twice in the back and once in the head and face, which caused reddening and bruising.

"Fortunately the blows did not pierce the skin.

"The 18-year-old then managed to escape from the gang and run off.

"Apparently they don't know who they were, which makes it all the more worrying. It could have been that members of the gang were egging each other on to attack passers-by."

He urged anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area to come forward.

He said: "It would have been dark by that time but there are still people in that area who could have seen something.

"You have shops that are open at that time, and it's a busy residential area."

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.