RACHEL WILLIS, the York girl best known as Connie in a series of TV internet adverts, has been mugged in a terrifying street attack.

The model daughter of Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Phil Willis was kicked and punched in the face as she walked home from work in Kennington, South London, last night.

Today, Mr Willis told how he trawled the London streets trying to find his daughter.

He revealed how Rachel was subjected to the horrific ordeal as she was talking to her mother, Heather, on her mobile phone.

The robber was able to grab her phone but Rachel, 26, managed to hold on to her handbag before the thief ran off into a nearby estate.

She was left shocked but was not seriously injured in the attack.

Mr Willis, who shares a flat with his daughter, said: "You hear daily of assaults and muggings but never think it will happen to someone in your own family.

"She was obviously shaken and is incredibly angry.

"She was on the phone to her mother at the time of the attack. Her mother heard her screams and then the line went dead.

"My wife was very distressed and paged me in the House of Commons. I had to set off and try and find her. Luckily someone helped escort her home."

Rachel, a former Manor School pupil, became a national star after appearing in a series of high-profile adverts for Internet giant AOL.

In the adverts, Rachel emerges from computer screens to give out advice and handy hints to computer users needing help.

As well as playing the nationally- known computer character, Rachel has also had a series of movie roles including a small part in the Bruce Willis epic, The Fifth Element.

She currently runs a model agency in the capital.

Mr Willis added: "She is bruised on her leg and on her face where she was punched. I am extremely angry about this.

"She was determined to go to work today but as we walked through the estate (where she was attacked) she was very nervous.

"She is well known and people recognise her in the street. She will have to find different ways of going home in the future."

AOL said today they had no comment to make.

Rachel issued a statement through her agent today to say she was "fine" after the attack. The agent said: "She is obviously very shaken up and it was not a pleasant thing to have happened."

Police who attended the incident are said to have recognised a local gang leader who was operating in the area. They are believed to be following up the incident.

Updated: 15:20 Wednesday, May 08, 2002