SEVEN teenagers in school uniforms attacked a woman and stole her Christmas shopping.

The woman, 44, was walking in Felmores End, Pitsea, when she was set upon by the gang, who punched her in the face and pinched her presents.

The gang of five boys and two girls crept up on their victim from behind, before grabbing her shoulder to make her spin round.

She was then punched in the face, which chipped her front tooth, and left her with a sore cheek.

They also repeatedly kicked her in the shins while they ransacked her shopping trolley of presents she had just bought for her family.

The haul included a DVD player, toys, and some cash worth a total of £300.

Det Con Neil Hudson, of Basildon CID, said: “The victim was left traumatised and scared after the incident.

“The shopping had been for her family and she had these items stolen.

“We believe some of the group were in a school uniform. We are making inquiries with local schools.”

The victim, who is from Pitsea, was taken to South Ockendon police station to be interviewed by officers yesterday afternoon because she was so shaken by the attack.

She described the youngsters as a group of five boys and two girls aged about 16. One of the boys was black with short black cropped hair. He wore a black hooded top.

A girl in the group was white with straight long brown hair and a husky voice.

The other girl was white and had short brown hair and a long dark jacket.

Police want to speak to anyone who was in Felmores End, Pitsea, about 7pm on Monday and saw anything suspicious.

Anyone with information can call Basildon CID Target Team on 0300 3334444.