A YOUNG woman is being hunted by police after an officer was injured in a “vicious attack”.

The police officer, 31, was set upon while attending a street fight in Chichester city centre earlier this month.

The officer had to be treated in hospital and a search is now underway to find the woman.

Three boys, aged 16, and a girl, aged 15, have already been arrested on suspicion of assault.

Chief Inspector Jon Carter said: “This was an attack on a police officer doing his duty.

“His colleagues reacted very swiftly and made arrests, following which further enquiries are now being carried out.”

Sussex Police were called to East Street shortly after 10pm on September 11 with officers tasked with helping two young women who were being attacked.

The officer was attacked on arrival but continued to pursue suspects on foot, chasing them to South Pallant where he was punched and kicked.

A group of teenagers helped direct officers to the scene where four arrests were made.

Ch Insp Carter added: “Thankfully, other young people, to whom we are very grateful, directed his colleagues to his location and one of them also assisted the officer detain one of the suspects.

“Their actions undoubtedly prevented further injuries to the officer.”

The injured officer was taken to St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester but was allowed home the same night.

He is still recovering from his injuries and is not yet fit to resume his duties.

Police are trying to find a woman who is described as white, in her late teens, slim and with long blonde hair.

At the time of the attack, she was wearing white jeans, a grey top and knee-high black boots.

Anyone who can help identify the woman described by police, or who has any other information about this incident, is being urged to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1468 of 14/09.