A YOUNG woman was punched in the face and kicked in the ribs by three teenage robbers on her way to work.

The yobs attacked the 21-year-old in broad daylight as she made her way to the tram station on a well used country lane off Cams Lane in Radcliffe.

The sales representative, who does not want to be named, was jumped from behind by the men who forced her to the floor. They then kicked her before running off with her bag containing her purse and a sentimental bracelet.

She was helped by a dog walker who found her on the ground bleeding. He took her home – just minutes away from where the attack happened.

The woman, still in shock and being supported by her family and boyfriend, said: "It happened in broad daylight at 5pm. Those responsible need to be caught before they do it to someone else.

"They won't care about targeting a mother and child or a grandmother. My mum and nan use this route, many people use it. The attack must have only lasted a few seconds but I felt like I was on the floor for half-an-hour. It was a big shock. I could hear muffled voices saying 'hurry up'. I got up and sat on the floor confused when the man helped me home. I thanked him and he asked how I was later on Facebook."

Following the attack, the young woman's brother, father and friends tried to find those responsible – and CCTV in the area is being examined.

Now back at work, she added: "I have three long scratches and I don't know how they were caused. It could have been keys between their fingers. I have redness near my ribs, my jaw is sore, and I have bruising under my eye. I'm not sleeping properly, I keep going over what happened and asking "why me?" I had my work clothes on so they knew I was going to work.

"I was cautious before and even more so now. I will never walk down there again. The people who did this don't realise the aftermath and the psychological effects. It makes you feel vulnerable."

The woman's bag has been recovered but all the other items are still missing. Her family area appealing for people to contact police and praised officers investigating the incident for their assistance and concern.

Those responsible are described by the victim as being around 18-years-old, with one wearing a black top with a white stripe, and one had red trainers.

Police have launched an investigation and anyone with information is asked to ring 101 quoting log number 1695 29/4/2017 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to give information anonymously.