Gang attacks skateboard boy

The mother-of-three, who asked not to be identified, said her son was "quite badly shaken up" by the incident.

The 13-year-old was surrounded by the youths, who asked him for money, mobile phones and then his skateboard, before punching him in the face.

The boy was then chased and subjected to a cruel confidence trick before being punched in the stomach.

The incident, which lasted about five minutes, left the boy with facial injuries and concussion.

His mother said: "It was an unprovoked attack. He was skateboarding near Clifford's Tower with a friend when they were approached by a group of youths.

"My son isn't sure how many there were but says they were aged between 11 and 13.

"The gang surrounded them, but the friend managed to run away. My son couldn't, and they asked him to empty his pockets. They wanted money and mobile phones, but the only thing he had was his skateboard.

"One said if you do four tricks on your board we will let you go.

"He grabbed his skateboard and ran off, but was punched in the face. He got away, but was followed by one of the smaller boys. He asked my son if he was all right, but then he punched him in the stomach."

The teenager then managed to escape to a friend's house, where he contacted his parents. He was taken to York District Hospital for treatment.

She continued: "He is fine now, but we are upset and angry about the whole thing. Parents and teenagers should know there is, or was, a group of lads out there asking for money, mobile phones and skateboards.

"If they don't get them, it appears they are prepared to use force until they do."

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said: "It is very disappointing that this sort of situation should arise."

The attack happened at about 7.45pm last Wednesday, May 15.

Anyone with any information should ring York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, May 21, 2002