Stone attack leaves boy terrified to leave home

From the archive, first published Friday 14th Oct 2005.

VIOLENT yobs stoned, kicked and punched a nine-year-old boy in an unprovoked attack. The mother of little Louis Phillips said the thugs responsible should be locked up and her son is now frightened to leave the house.

Police are investigating the assault in Melksham and are appealing for witnesses, but Louis's mum Christine, 44, of Mills Road, is demanding to know why no arrest has made in the two weeks since the attack.

Louis, a Manor School pupil, asked his mum if he could go to their next-door neighbour's house to play on the trampoline about 7pm on September 29.

Ten minutes later his younger sister, Sophie, eight, ran inside screaming a gang was attacking him.

Mrs Phillips said: "We got out the house and saw about four of them kicking him.

"They were also throwing stones at his head. We were in shock at what had happened and why they had ganged up on him. We got him inside and phoned the police straight away."

Next morning he was taken to the Minor Injuries Unit at Melksham Hospital.

The family went to the police station the same day to give a full statement. "His head was all swollen, he had a black eye and there was a lump on the side of his head," his mum said.

"There have been a few incidents outside with these kids. This was over two weeks ago and still no one has been arrested.

"Since it happened we have been getting threatening and violent phone calls and I just want something done about it. Since we moved here, Louis has been getting on fine with the other kids that live nearby and it is just one group."

The family moved to Melksham three months ago from York. Since the attack, Mrs Phillips said Louis doesn't like to venture far from his home.

"We are worried about him going out, because we don't know what will happen," she said.

"It is not just us, this gang is targeting other families along our road. Until the police arrest them, they think they have got away with it."

Pc Nick Davey said inquiries were ongoing. He said: "Evidence has been secured by means of a video interview. It is rare for an attack on a boy so young and we would ask anyone with information to come forward."

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