Gang attack leaves Joel with plate in his skull.

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy who needed major surgery after being set upon by a gang today told of his ordeal.

Joel James was attacked by five youths at the Spar Garage, in Mill Lane, Heworth, York, as he and some friends walked away from its forecourt.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Joel revealed that he had to have surgery to repair a shattered eye socket - and will have a metal plate in his skull for the rest of his life.

But the Millthorpe School pupil also said he had no idea how badly he had been hurt until he looked at his swollen eye in a mirror the following morning.

Joel, of Eastbourne Grove, Heworth, said: "I was just going to the shops. I was with a couple of friends and, as we got to the garage, there were these people standing outside.

"One of them was trying to pick a fight. We went to the shop and, on our way back, they came up behind us.

"One started pulling the hair of one of my friends. I stuck my arm out to protect her and I felt an almighty thud on the side of my face.

"It was very painful, but I went back to my friend's house and stayed there for the night.

"I thought I would have a black eye, but when I woke up my eye was very swollen and it was all purple. In the end, I had to have an operation and now have a metal plate in there.

"I am a little more nervous now about walking down that street, but I am not going to allow it to affect me that much. I have actually been quite calm about it."

Dad Ron James added: "My main aim is to ensure that this doesn't happen to anyone else."

CCTV footage from the garage has revealed that a group of youths was in the area at the time of the attack.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, which happened at midnight on September 14, or has any details about the attack should contact York police on (01904) 631321.

Updated: 10:37 Saturday, September 29, 2001