A SCHOOLBOY described how he ‘feared for his life’ after being brutally attacked by masked thugs who taunted him for being bisexual.
Jamie Watson, 15, was hospitalised after suffering broken ribs, a fractured arm and cuts and bruising in the terrifying attack.
The teen was set upon in Ward End, Birmingham, by three youths he says had previously made homophobic comments to him.
West Midlands Police has labelled the attack as “truly horrendous” and are urging people with information to come forward.
Jamie, who recently came out as bisexual, said: “The assault lasted five minutes. I was punched and fell to the ground, where I was kicked and punched all over my body including my head.
“It was absolutely terrifying and I feared for my life. There were three of them in total and they all wore masks.
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“I was in a lot of pain and was taken to Heartlands Hospital. I was struggling to breathe and was left with broken ribs, a fracture to my arm and cuts and bruises.
“I also had damage to the muscles in my neck due to the force of the kicks to my head.
“It was a terrifying experience and I staggered home covered in blood.”
Jamie said he had previously been harassed by the gang and targeted with homophobic insults.
He said: “I just want them caught now as no-one should have to go through this.”
His mum Sharron Patrick, 46, said: “This has knocked the confidence out of Jamie.
“Jamie has now gone to my mother and father’s home, where he can at least go out of his front door without feeling threatened.
“This is a solution over the school summer holidays but is not the long-term answer. He feels like a prisoner in his own home.”
The attack took place at around 3.30pm on July 22.
Detective Sergeant James Bennett, from Birmingham’s Violent Crime Team, said: “We are trawling CCTV for any clues and want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen the attack to come forward.
“At this stage we believe the attackers could be local and we are sure someone knows who these men are.
This was a truly horrendous attack that left the teenager with severe injuries that needed hospital treatment.
“The attackers showed no regard for their victim and repeatedly kicked him to the head and body. Rest assured that we will do everything we can to find those responsible.
“I would also like to directly appeal to those responsible to do the right thing and come forward as it is only a matter of time before we come knocking at their doors.”
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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