A mother today appealed for help to catch a gang who attacked her 12-year-old son in an alleyway.

Peter Crowden, who is only able to attend Colbayns High School in Clacton part-time because of a rare disease, was left with a black eye and other injuries from the assault by five youngsters.

His mother, Doreen Bowes-Cavanagh, said he was set upon after the gang snatched his bike away and he followed them to get it back.

She said he was hit over the head with the bicycle seat and punched twice in the face by two of the teenagers.

Mrs Bowes-Cavanagh said: "Peter also suffers from asthma. He was upset and angry when he got home.

"He was shaken up by the attack and the bike - which cost £179 and was bought for his last birthday - has been badly damaged."

Mrs Bowes-Cavanagh said it was a totally unprovoked assault in broad daylight and her son did not know any of his attackers - although he had seen one of them before.

She said the gang included four boys and a girl who were all about 14 to 16 years old.

They took Peter's bike off him in Wellesley Road, Clacton, just after midday on Sunday. He followed them into a nearby alleyway which is where he was set upon.

He was also threatened by one of the youngsters wielding a metal bar.

"They ripped the seat off the bike and hit him over the head with it and also pulled the brake cables off," added Mrs Bowes-Cavanagh.

"They burst both tyres and also damaged the framework. He was punched in the face by two of the boys, threatened and his jacket was torn."

One of the gang then told the others to leave Peter alone and give his bike back.

"It totally ruined Mother's Day to see this happen to my son," said Mrs Bowes-Cavanagh.

"He had only gone out to meet up with a friend and I hope someone will help catch those who are responsible."

Anyone with information on who carried out the attack should contact Clacton police on 01255 221312.

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