Police patrols have been stepped up after a teenager was allegedly punched in the face during an attempted mugging.

It has been reported the girl was approached by three women, near the Tesco Express in Paddock Wood, where she was assaulted.

The suspects are also alleged to have made attempts to steal the victim's phone.

Police officers were called to the assault in Station Road at around 9.45pm on Friday.

An investigation is ongoing and no arrests have yet been made.

Following the incident, Tunbridge Wells councillor Matthew Bailey – who covers the Paddock Wood west ward – assured residents action is being taken.

The Independent councillor said: "There were reports of one assault and at least one other case of anti-social behaviour in Paddock Wood over the weekend.

"I have reported these issues to the community safety unit at the council and have received the following response. Hopefully the perpetrators will soon be caught and dealt with."

The council's response read: "Just to re-assure you there are active police investigations relating to the issues.

"The youth engagement officers in the community safety unit are also involved as the perpetrators are children.

"Part of the process will be police patrolling Paddock Wood, but the issues do seem to lie with some particular troublemakers which is in the process of being addressed."