A TAUNTON woman has spoken of how an afternoon in the park turned into a terrifying attack.

Christine Lipton was enjoying some time with her niece, who is in a wheelchair, in Vivary Park on Saturday, May 19, when she says a teenage boy assaulted her.

Miss Lipton says she was kicked in the face, leaving her covered in bruises and struggling to register what happened.

She said: "A young lad aged (about) 14 went on the attack, kicking a small child and elderly women, myself and my niece who is in a wheelchair.

"I was brutally kicked in the face, legs and went into shock.

"A good citizen managed to pull him down outside the park gates and the police were called.

"I provided the police with my name and address and also my niece gave her details."

Luckily, her niece, who has Cerebral Palsy, was not badly injured.

Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed an investigation in underway after the incident.

A spokesman said: “We’re investigating after a woman in her 50s was assaulted by a teenage boy in Vivary Park at around 4pm on Saturday, May 19.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5218109055.”

Following the incident, Miss Lipton questioned how such an outburst of violence had happened.

"He (the attacker) must be punished so he knows not to offend again,” she added.

“I want to press charges and for him to face the consequences for his violent behaviour."

She added she was disappointed with the 'under-resourced' policing in Taunton.