TWO 13-year-old girls were assaulted on a bus in Dartford.

The two girls were travelling on a number 96 bus from Bexleyheath to Bluewater at around 1pm on November 22, when they were verbally abused by a group of six or seven other teenage girls.

A member of the group sat next to one of the 13-year-old girls and asked for her money. Although no money was handed over at the time, the girl later discovered that a £20 note was missing from her jacket pocket.

The two girls then asked the bus driver to make an unscheduled stop in Watling Street in Dartford at its junction with Pilgrims Way near the bridge over the M25, where they and the group all got off the bus.

The other victim was then held around the throat against the rails of the bridge. She felt hands grabbing for her bag but managed to escape and nothing was stolen from her.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident on the bus, as well as people who may have seen the attack on the bridge in Watling Street.

The group are described as black girls aged around 15 or 16.

One was wearing a long black robe, had a chubby face and was about 5ft 7in tall.

Another was wearing a bright orange hairband and had her hair in a side ponytail. She was wearing a black short-sleeved coat with a fluffy hood and was about 5ft 8in tall.

Three of the other gang members also had their hair tied back.

All members of the group are described as having strong street' accents.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Gravesend on 01474 565075. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.