Boy needs 10 stitches after attack

A 15-year-old boy needed 10 stitches in his head after being attacked by a gang as he went to the shops to buy a drink.

The attack, which police described as vicious and unprovoked, happened near Broadfield Barton in Crawley, Sussex, on Saturday at about 2130 BST.

Police said the boy, who was visiting his step-dad in Broadfield, had ridden his bicycle to the shops to buy a can of drink.

When he came out of the shop his bike had gone so he asked four older teenage boys if they knew where it was.

This behaviour will not be tolerated Dc Phil Bates

The group then attacked the boy and fled.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene and the 15-year-old was taken to East Surrey Hospital for treatment which included 10 stitches in his head and stitches above his eye.

Detective constable Phil Bates , said: "This behaviour will not be tolerated. The people responsible will be found and brought to justice.

"The boy was simply going to the shops to get a can of drink when he was viciously attacked by four youths for no real reason."

The bike has still not been found and police are appealing for anyone who knows where it is to come forward.

Dc Bates also appealed for two teenage girls to come forward who were with the group of boys.

He said: "Two girls went into the Chinese Restaurant about 2130 BST.

"They did not get involved but may have been with the male youths.

"I would like them to come forward before we find them and they become implicated."