A Billericay teenager was left with severe facial injuries after he and his friends were set upon by a 30-strong gang of young thugs.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the group of youths twice set upon the 15-year-old boy as he walked through Chelmsford town centre.

The boy was walking along Stonebridge Walk, near the Marks and Spencer store at around 7.45pm on Friday when he was approached by the large group.

They then attacked him, apparently without any provocation. The boy had to be taken to nearby Broomfield Hospital for treatment.

Det Con Mark Elliott of Chelmsford police said: "This boy was minding his own business and heading towards the YMCA through Central Park with a few of his friends. He was then set upon by what appears to be an unprovoked attack."

Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003

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