A teenage girl was attacked by a gang of girls while she lay in the road after being knocked off her bike by a car when out riding in Lancaster Road, in Shrewsbury, police said today.

The girl fell off her bike after the collision at a mini roundabout at Lancaster Road’s junction with York Road.

Police said she was then attacked by three girls of a similar age who got out of the car.

The incident happened at about 7.20pm yesterday.

Constable Alan Dean, who is investigating the incident, said the cyclist was crossing the mini roundabout when a red Vauxhall Corsa, which was travelling in the same direction as her, collided with the back of her bike.

He said three young women got out of the vehicle, which was being driven by a man, and began kicking the victim about the head and body.

Following the attack they got back into the car which was driven off in the direction of Mount Pleasant.

The 17-year-old cyclist was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans and was carrying Tesco shopping bags. She was not seriously injured in the attack and did not require hospital treatment.

Constable Dean said: “I am appealing for anyone who saw this incident or has information about those involved to please contact me.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Shrewsbury police on 0300 333 3000 or anonymously via the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111, where a reward is sometimes offered.