A TEENAGER may have to undergo further surgery to repair her smashed jaw after she was brutally attacked near a Prestwich park.

Hayley Kendal's jaw was broken in two places, her back teeth were knocked out and she suffered deep cuts to her head when she was set upon by a gang of four or five girls on Friday night (Sept 7).

The 13-year-old was approached from behind, pushed forward and then punched several times about the head before she fell to the floor, where the attack continued. She was kicked in the face before falling unconscious.

Now, her mum, Deborah, is leading an appeal by police for witnesses to come forward to help identify her daughter's attackers.

She said: "Hayley is in a very poorly condition. Surgeons have installed metal plates on one side of her jaw and pins on the other. More surgery may have to take place to install a second plate. "I just hope those responsible are caught. They are thugs who attacked an innocent girl. Hayley never had a chance."

The horrific and unprovoked attack happened on Friday night in Prestwich after Hayley had bought a packet of crisps from a corner shop in Rectory Lane.

The teenager was making her way back to her friend's in St Mary's Park at 9.50pm when a gang of older girls, unknown to Hayley, started shouting her and calling her name. Hayley, of Green Walks, Prestwich, ignored them and walked on.

Her mum said: "Hayley was pushed by one of the girls and was punched about the head and face. She fell to the ground and was kicked in the face. She can't remember anything after that."

Hayley's friends called an ambulance on a mobile phone and alerted Mrs Kendal. Hayley was covered in blood and lying unconscious. She was rushed to Booth Hall Children's Hospital and underwent surgery on Saturday morning

Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood, of Bury's Operational Police Unit, said: "The injuries suffered by Hayley are horrendous. She was obviously kicked in the face with a tremendous amount of force.

"She was heavily outnumbered. This is a very serious assault."

Anyone who witnessed the attack or knows any of those responsible should contact Whitefield CID on 856 8248 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.