Young school boys fall victim to attacks

It happened at approximately 3.35pm on the Governor's Roadwhen a youth assaulted him. He was punched in the face, dragged to the ground and kicked in the stomach.

She said: "My son managed to get away and the youth left in the direction of Longstone Street. A lady stopped to offer assistance to my son who was bleeding and I would like to thank her for this."

The concerned mother says at she knows this is not an isolated incident. "In December a group of youths attacked three 11 year olds in Wallace Park. In January another 12-year-old was attacked in the city centre. At half term recently two 13-year-old boys were attacked during the day on Governor's Road and on Monday this week another 12-year-old boy was attacked on his way home from school and another boy was also attacked by the same youth on Tuesday.

"These boys all attend different city centre schools and to my knowledge all incidents have been reported to the Police," she explained.

She added: "I am shocked and saddened not only that my son was a victim of an unprovoked attack but that young boys are being targeted as they leave school. This attack has shattered my son's confidence, he feels insecure even walking in busy areas and is reluctant to take part in after school activities.

"In all incidents, so far as I am aware, CCTV cameras have unfortunately not recorded the attacks. I would call on the Police Service in Lisburn to provide more police presence on our streets, particularly around 3.30pm, to ensure our children who are vulnerable can travel safely from school to their home."

She continued; "I am at a loss to understand what the motive is behind these attacks. I appeal for parents to make their children aware of these attacks, encourage them to walk in groups leaving school and to be vigilant."

Police in Lisburn confirmed that they are aware of attacks.

If you have information which can help Police with their inquiries please call 0845 600 8000.