A LADY was lucky to escape serious injury after a gang hurled a knife into her back, which struck handle end up.

It is the latest in a spate of serious attacks in Basildon town centre.

It happened on South Walk near to the Shoe Zone store around 8pm on Wednesday, April 24.

The terrified woman was not seriously injured but did sustain a cut from the handle.

The sister of the victim wanted to warn others to be careful when walking through the town.

The yobs are believed to be between the ages of 13 and 16-years-old.

One man attempted to intervene but had abuse hurled at him and cans of drinks thrown at him.

Basildon residents expressed their outrage over social media

Victoria Stewart commented on Facebook: “It’s so bad that anyone including grown adults can feel so vulnerable by just walking past these awful teens, but people are too scared to say anything these days as you don’t know what they’re capable of.

“I do wonder what their parents are doing and if they actually know or care how awful their children are.”

Another added that her son was beaten up by a group of teenagers in the town recently.

She posted: “He had a broken jaw and damaged femur and teeth.

“They said if he hadn’t been drunk he would be dead.

“This town is going down fast I moved here from London 30 years ago and it’s changed so much.”

The town centre has been a hot spot for trouble in Basildon in recent months.

Last week, a homeless man was abused by a group of youths who threw juice over him, and last month a 17-year-old boy was slashed in the face with what is believed to be a knife.

He was left with serious facial injuries.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called at around 8.15pm on Wednesday, April 24, with reports that a woman had an object thrown at her as she walked in South Walk, Basildon.

“The woman reported the object hit her head after walking past a group of teenagers. The woman was not seriously injured.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Basildon Police Station on 101 quoting 42/64316/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”