Attacker 'bragged about assault on Facebook'

The 15-year-old schoolboy, from Coleraine, was left with two staples in his head, after he was set upon last Monday morning.

His mother claims that messages appeared on Facebook after the attack.

"They said that my son had got a 'tight one' and that the person had jumped on his head. It is very distressing," she said.

The victim, who does not want to be named, also suffered a sore neck and swollen lip during the attack, which happened as he walked to a bus stop in Mountsandel.

"This is totally shocking, " said the boy's mother.

"I sent my son out to school, like I do every morning, and he returned 15 minutes later covered in blood and with a split head.

"The collar of his shirt was covered in blood and he was bleeding heavily from his mouth. It was terrible to see him in such a state.

" I am very worried now for his safety and the safety of other children his age in this area."

She claimed that there are gangs of young people in the town who taunt each other into fights through text messaging and on Facebook.

" I know that there are groups from different parts of the town, that regularly go head to head with each other.

"The thing is parents need to be aware that their kids may be involved in this.

"I just fear that it will take someone to get seriously injured before something is done."

Police confirmed that a 15-year-old school boy, arrested in relation to the incident has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell claimed the attack was sectarian.

He said: "I have spoken to the boy's mother who is obviously concerned for the safety of her children and other children following this sectarian attack.

"All schoolchildren should be allowed to travel to their respective schools without fear of intimidation or attack.

"The police need to ensure appropriate measures are taken to ensure that anyone involved in this type of behaviour is dealt with.

"It would appear that there are a number of thugs from one area of Coleraine intent in terrorising and provoking Protestant youths. Police need to step up their presence in areas where these youths gather."