Teenage girl mugged as she walks through park

A violent thug subjected a teenage girl to a terrifying robbery as she made her way home through a Maidstone park.

The 14-year-old was mugged by a man near play equipment at the northern edge of Gatland Recreation Ground, Barming, on Monday.

The attacker, believed to be in his 40s, grabbed the Maplesden Noakes pupil by the scruff of the neck, stole £10 from her purse and threw it back at her.

Michelle Baker, a full-time carer, said her daughter Elli was left shocked and shaken after the ordeal, which happened just after 6.30pm.

The 51-year-old said: “Elli was in Gatland Park and was on her way back home and when she stopped to tie up her shoelaces she noticed there was a man who was near her.”

The Beaumont Road resident added: “She didn’t think too much of it, bent down to tie up her shoelaces and when she stood up he basically said to her ‘give me your purse or I am going to hit you’.”

The man made off towards the southern edge of the park, towards Gatland Lane and Miss Baker contacted the police after her daughter told her what happened.

She added: “I am disgusted. I am scared. I don’t like my children going out at the best of times but to happen right on my doorstep... something needs to be done because he needs to be found because it could have been so much worse.”

Miss Baker said she had spoken to Maplesden Noakes’ safeguarding officer and has been told they would be issuing a warning for youngsters and parents to remain vigilant.

A spokesman for Kent Police confirmed inquiries are ongoing.

The suspect was white with blonde hair and wore a grey top and black tracksuit bottoms. Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 15-1148.