A TEENAGER could need plastic surgery to rebuild her face after she was viciously assaulted by three other girls.

The 14-year-old was playing with two female friends in the park behind the Co-op store in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, when three girls attacked her.

Two of the friends managed to escape, but the gang caught the third girl in nearby tennis courts and brutally assaulted her.

The victim, who is from Annfield Plain, was punched to the ground before the three attackers ripped out her earrings, kicked her in the face and stamped on her head and body.

The frenzied assault only stopped when a passing motorist got out to help and the gang ran off.

The terrified youngster, who has not been named, was taken to Durham's University Hospital, where she was kept in overnight and seen by a specialist plastic surgeon. She suffered a broken collar bone and swelling and bruising to her left eye and cheek. She was also left with lacerations to her earlobes, plus cuts and bruises to her back and arms.

Investigating officer PC Chris Little said:" This was a frenzied, unprovoked attack, all the more shocking because it was carried out by other teenage girls. They only stopped their vicious assault because a passing motorist stepped in.

"If she had not stopped to lend a hand I shudder to think how much worse it could have been for the victim."

The attack took place at about 9pm on Sunday. The three girls are all thought to be aged 14 to 17 and one was wearing a dark blue and light blue jacket. Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should call PC Little at Stanley Police Station on (01207) 232144.