Detectives are hoping to trace a van driver and two women who witnessed a 17-year-old boy assaulted twice by a gang of teenagers in New Ash Green.

The 17-year-old victim was pelted with rocks and sticks by five males in Ash Road before beibng punched and kicked on Monday, January 12.

Then he was subjected to another attack on Friday, January 23 when a group of six teenagers forced him to the ground and stamped on him.

That assault took place outside Ash House in Ash Road and Centre Road between 4.30pm and 5pm.

Four 16-year-old boys, a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl have been arrested in connection with these incidents. They remain on bail, pending further enquiries.

Police say although some witnesses have step forward they need to speak to a van driver who sounded his horn at the attackers in the first assault.

Detectives also want to talk to two women who came to the victim's aid during the second incident. One 26-year-old reprimanded the group while another drove the boy home.

PC Swift said: "We believe that some of the offenders are likely to have been involved in both of these incidents and it is very important that we speak to anyone with information.

"I would like to appeal directly to a man on January 12 who drove a grey van which had blue writing on the side, which the victim thinks mentioned a car wash.

"He may have taken a photo of the offenders and kindly checked on the victim’s welfare before leaving the scene."

"We know that there were several people who sounded their horns at the offenders. Your information could be crucial in helping with our enquiries."

Witnesses are asked to call police on 01732 379057 quoting reference YY/001680/15. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.