Motorist saved teen from gang

Mar 20 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

A TERRIFIED teenager tried to flag down passing motorists on a viaduct as he fled from a vicious gang who had already attacked him twice.

Most motorists drove by, but when one stopped to assist the youngster, 14, he was also threatened by the youths.

Police are now hunting a gang of up to 15 teenagers who carried out the series of unprovoked attacks on the terrified boy in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

The youngster, from nearby Willington, fled following a confrontation in a fast-food restaurant in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, late on Saturday afternoon. But he suffered three separate attacks at the hands of the gang as he tried to escape.

The boy suffered cuts, bruises and swellings to his head and body, but thanks to the motorist who stopped to help, escaped more serious injury.

PC Paul Canvin, investigating the attacks, said: “The youngster was singled out by a large group of youths, possibly up to 15 and aged between 13 and 17, who picked on him for no apparent reason.”

He added: “Many drivers ignored his pleas and the boy, who was again followed by the group on bikes, suffered a third beating until one motorist stopped, dispersed the youths and took the youngster home.

“Before he left, that motorist was also verbally threatened by the gang. It is extremely fortunate that this young boy did not suffer more serious injuries.”

Anyone with information on the attackers should ring 0845 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.