A mother and daughter had to be escorted to their car after a confrontation with more than 20 teenagers.

They were taking an evening stroll when they encountered the group on Brighton seafront.

Now the mother-of-three says she will not return to the city until there is a greater police presence to protect against the threat of harassment.

The 49-year-old Horsham woman, who asked not to be named, was walking along Madeira Drive with her 15-year-old daughter when the incident happened.

She said: "We were heading away from the Palace Pier when we were stopped by two girls of about 18 who were visibly upset.

"They told us not to walk the route we were taking because they had just been pushed around and spat at by teenagers.

"We carried on and saw a gang of between 20 and 30 boys and girls, aged between about 12 and 16.

"We crossed the road but they crossed over after us, so we crossed again and they did too.

"By now we were in a much less public spot. The gang came up to us and some of the girls ran at us aggressively. I just put out my hand and this girl went berserk.

"My daughter and I were linking hands and she starting shouting at us. This was all happening just inches from our faces. We turned around to get away from them and this girl took a running jump and pushed me in the back.

"I've got three children and I couldn't believe a 15-year-old would touch me like that."

A man from a nearby club came to their aid and walked them to their car.

The woman said: "This man told us not to bother calling the police because four lads had earlier been attacked by a gang nearby and it was 30 minutes before the police turned up.

"We've always enjoyed Brighton immensely but this leaves a sour taste."

The woman reported the incident to the first police officer she spotted on her way home and was told officers would be sent to the area as soon as possible.

Brighton police confirmed they received a call to a disturbance involving up to 15 youths outside a club on Madeira Drive on Saturday evening.

Four people had been assaulted but all declined to be treated by paramedics.

Police also received a call about youths causing problems near the Palace Pier but CCTV cameras failed to spot the offenders.

Chief Inspector Kuldeep Verma, of Sussex Police, said: "We are aware there is rowdy behaviour on Madeira Drive during Friday and Saturday nights and that is why we have a police mobile unit assigned to attend this kind of public order incident.

"I'm sorry the lady and her daughter experienced this. Had we been notified we would have done our best to attend. The police are totally opposed to this inappropriate behaviour."