A MOTHER has spoken out after her son was beaten up in an unprovoked attack in the street.

Debbie Young, who lives with the 18-year-old, was horrified at his injuries after an assault she believes could have been prevented if witnesses had called the police or stepped in to help.

The teenager, who has a different name to his mother and is too frightened to be named for fear of reprisals, was left with a cracked cheek bone, broken nose and a cracked tooth after robbers demanded cash and his mobile phone in Broad Street, Canterbury.

Ms Young, who lives in Tankerton, said: “He was in a dreadful state. He is happy to still be breathing, that’s how frightened he was.

“He just can’t understand why someone would do this to him and nor can I. He was clearly in trouble yet no one stopped to help him or even called the police.”

The teenager was walking along Broad Street on his way to a bus stop at about 8pm on Sunday when he and his friend were approached by a man with a dog.

After a brief conversation he moved on but seconds later another man ran over to them and punched his friend, knocking him to the ground.

He managed to get up and run away, screaming for help, but Ms Young’s son was caught and punched in the face. She said: “He felt he was like a trapped rabbit. The man punched him and pulled him into a hedge, demanding his phone and money.

“He tried to run but his attacker caught him and pushed him into the road.

“A woman driver swerved round him and my son mouthed 'help me’ through the window while the man had him by the throat but she just drove on.

“Other people were walking nearby and he was begging them to call the police but no one helped.”

The teenager was repeatedly punched and kicked, even after handing over £80. When his attacker left and he dialled 999 from a payphone.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and has been left shocked and traumatised.

“People were watching and just walking past,” he said. “It was older people who were there and not helping. I am in a lot of pain and can only eat liquidised food and I just don’t know why this happened to me.”

Police believe two men were involved. A 30-year-old man, of no address, was arrested on Monday and bailed until June pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01227 762055.