A gang of teenagers hurled abuse - and one threw a tree branch - as they targeted a woman in the street.

Police investigations are underway into what officers are classing as a hate crime in Longtown.

Officers say a woman was walking home with two friends in the Mary Street area when she was abused by a group of youths.

A tree branch was hurled by someone in the group but it missed.

Police say that four or five boys were involved.

The nature of the incident was said to be "verbal transphobic abuse".

It took place at about 8.45pm on Wednesday, close to the town's primary school.

The area has no street lighting, a spokesman for the force added.

The woman had been to a meeting in Carlisle and was returning home.

An inquiry has now been launched and Cumbria police are appealing for witnesses to come forward and contact PC Julie Ross on 101.