A distraught mother has spoken out after her 12-year-old son was brutally attacked by a gang of youths amid growing concerns that anti-social behaviour in an Irish town is "spiralling out of control".
The mother, who wished to remain unnamed, said that incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour in Carrickfergus in Co Antrim are "at crisis point", with her young son being the latest victim, reports Belfast Live.
The boy was in Marine Gardens in the town on Sunday evening, April 13, when he was set upon by a group of youngsters who knocked him to the ground before "stamping and jumping on his head".
The incident was reported and is currently under investigation. Speaking to Belfast Live following the attack, the shaken mum said: "This wasn't just kids fighting, this was an attempt to seriously injure my son. He could have been killed.
"My son was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he underwent several tests for potential brain and head injuries. He also had a spinal x-ray due to doctors' concerns about a possible neck fracture. Thankfully, it seems the injuries are limited to soft tissue damage. He's now at home recovering but remains under observation."
"Parents need to act, they need to know where their kids are and what they're doing," she added. "It's completely out of control. It's only a matter of time before someone is killed."
Chief Inspector Tate of the PSNI said in a statement on the incident: "We received a report yesterday afternoon that a group of young male teenagers had attacked a 12-year-old boy in the Marine Gardens area on Sunday evening at around 6.30pm.
"It's understood the boy was assaulted by up to five youths, who stamped and jumped on his head. The boy was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries, which are not believed to be serious at this time.
"This behaviour may seem like fun for those involved; however, it is without question despicable and will not be tolerated whatsoever, and at this time local officers are investigating further, to find those responsible."
Local UUP MLA John Stewart told Belfast Live: "This rise of anti-social behaviour in and around Marine Gardens is deeply concerning and is an issue I have been highlighting for years.
"Sadly, despite the best efforts of dedicated community workers, charities and volunteers who have worked on engagement in the area – the problem of ASB just continues and scarcely a day passes when I am not contacted about it.
"This latest incident is deeply concerning indeed and my thoughts are with the young man who was attacked. Such actions are simply unacceptable and could result in very serious injury.
"I met with the new local PSNI Inspector two weeks ago to raise the issues of ASB and sought assurances that additional patrols would be put on around the Marine Gardens Area. I have also written to the Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Council to ask what steps the council are taking to deal with the issue and protect users of their play park.
"It is essential that the council, policing and community safety partnership and PSNI work together with all stakeholders to try and find a solution to this problem urgently."
Chief Inspector Tate added: "While we are committed to keeping our communities and shared spaces safe for all, the issue of anti-social behaviour and those intent on harming others by engaging in fighting, cannot be addressed by just police alone.
"I am asking for the assistance of parents and guardians, who must take responsibility for what their children are doing outside of the home and to make it clear that fighting, under-age drinking and any behaviour that impacts negatively on the local community, will not be accepted. Young people could also find themselves with a criminal record, which has all sorts of implications for future opportunities.
"I would also encourage the local community to report any incidents to police to enable us to investigate the circumstances, if we are not made aware of incidents, we cannot progress enquiries.
"We are continuing to work closely with our key stakeholders, elected representatives and partner agencies to address these issues and officers will continue to provide a visible policing presence in the area.
"Anyone who witnesses incidents of this nature, in particular, young people fighting, or who those who are affected by incidents of antisocial behaviour in general, is asked to contact police immediately on 101 or in an emergency call 999.
"A report can also be made via https://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ and information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous."
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