The mother of a young boy who was attacked while cycling to his local shop, has spoken out about his ordeal.
On Saturday night, Lynsey Conolly's 15-year-old son was going to a nearby shop through Dunleath Park in Downpatrick when she says he was assaulted by one individual, which turned into a group attack.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Lynsey says her son is now "petrified to leave the house" and has been having nightmares. She found her son at a pizza shop in the town, bloody faced and cut open.
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"He was cycling to the shop at around 9pm and was approached by one male who punched him twice on the face then six or seven people jumped on my son and kicked and punched him.
"The police are involved and I just pray they do something to punish these kids as this was unprovoked. Anyone who knows my son knows that he is a quiet, well-mannered boy who doesn't do violence in any way. I found him at Appache Pizza surrounded by people cleaning his cuts and giving him water.
"To those who did this, you have not only physically hurt my son, you have mentally hurt him. Hand yourselves in and take punishment for your actions.
"There was around 40 young kids drinking alcohol at Dunleath Playing Fields so all I'm asking for is that if anyone has any information to please come forward."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are investigating a report of assault in the Ballydugan Road area of Downpatrick on Saturday, 14th November at around 10.40pm.
"A 15-year-old boy sustained facial injuries in the assault. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information or who was in the area and witnessed the assault is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1893 12/11/22."
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