A STUDENT was attacked by a gang as she walked home on Friday. 

Police are appealing for witnesses after the 32-year-old South Korean student was approached when she walked along a woodland path from Stanmer Park towards Coldean Lane at about 10pm.

Two men and two women approached her, one of the group flashed a torch in the victim's eyes.

One of the men then hit her on the arm with a large piece of wood and told her to give them her handbag. The victim was then pushed to the ground.

She suffered a broken arm but managed to get to her feet and ran down the path to a nearby shop to raise the alarm.

Police are describing the attacker was black, slim and about 6' 4".

Detective constable Chris Bishop, of Sussex Police, said: "This was a very nasty attack on a lone woman walking home late at night.

"The group made sure she was in an isolated spot before attacking her. The victim has been left very shaken by what happened.

"We need to speak to anyone who was in the area and saw or heard any part of what happened. We are also keen to speak to anyone who saw a group of people matching the description of the attackers walking in or near Coldean Lane."

Anyone with any information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting 1766 of 26/09, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.