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 friends in a park behind the Co-op store in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham, when the girls attacked her.

Her friends managed to escape, but the gang caught the girl in nearby tennis courts and subjected her to a sustained and brutal assault.

The victim, 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 the gang ran off after a passing motorist got out of her car to help.

The terrified youngster, who has not been named, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, where she was kept in overnight and seen by a specialist plastic surgeon.

She suffered a broken collarbone and extreme swelling and bruising to her left eye and cheek. She was also left with lacerations to her earlobes, as well as 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 between 14 and 17, and one was wearing a dark blue and light blue jacket.

Police interviewed the motorist involved yesterday, and are appealing for other witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01207) 232144.