A TEENAGER who left a former school friend with lifelong scars to her face after slashing her with a Stanley knife in a horrific unprovoked attack has been convicted of grievous bodily harm.

The 14-year-old girl - who cannot be named for legal reasons - approached a 16-year-old girl at the lift near Vineyard Street Car Park in Colchester town centre.

They were known to each other having previously been at the same school.

The victim had her bag thrown and was then attacked with the knife.

She received cuts to her nose and forehead and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Doctors confirmed she will now have scars on her face for the rest of her life as a result of the horrendous attack.

Police were called to the scene and the girl handed herself in while officers were carrying out forensic work.

She had initially denied the charge but was convicted when she appeared at Colchester Magistrate’s Court of GBH with intent.

The girl - who lives in the Colchester area - has been remanded in custody until sentencing which has been scheduled for Monday, September 3.

Investigating officer Det Con Danielle Markoutsis said police were determined to catch anyone who carried a knife in public.

She said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack following a chance meeting by two former school friends.

“The defendant went out armed with a knife in the community and then inflicted serious wounds to the victim’s face in a busy area of the town centre.

“There are simply no excuses for carrying knives in public.

“If you are found carrying one or use them to cause fear or harm, we will bring you to court where you face a possible prison sentence.”