A TEENAGE student has been told his eyesight will never be the same again after being punched in the face and knocked to the ground by a group of youths.

The 16-year-old was walking along Boley Hill, Rochester, with his 15-year-old friend on Wednesday, February 23, between 7.15pm and 7.45pm, when he was attacked.

The pair was walking towards the High Street when they saw a noisy group of youths, both boys and girls, who appeared to be a year or two older than them.

They were dressed in mostly blue and white-coloured Adidas-style tracksuit bottoms, hooded tops and baseball caps.

The group made some comments but the students took no notice and carried on walking.

The youths then quietened down and the students noticed they were being followed.

When they reached the cathedral, the 16-year-old student turned to see if they were still being followed and was punched in the face and knocked to the ground.

He attempted to get up but was kicked in the back and stomach. He eventually managed to get away and meet up with his friend, who had also been assaulted.

A spokesman for Medway Police said: “The 16-year-old was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital, Orpington and then transferred to Guys Hospital in London.

“He has suffered extensive damage to his eye and socket and has been told that his eyesight will never be the same again. He will need to attend a number of hospitals to see if the damage can be repaired and is being seen on a daily basis by a consultant at his local hospital.”

Anyone who may have seen something or who may have information is asked to contact Medway Police on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls to Crimestoppers are free and are treated in the strictest of confidence.