FRUSTRATION overwhelmed a father whose son was beaten unconscious in the street.

Graham Gray could not believe that police did not call round until more than 24 hours after he reported the attack that nearly cost his 15-year-old boy his eyesight.

"Something is not working in the police service when a kid can be kicked unconscious in the street and they don't deem it important enough to even come and speak to somebody about it," said Mr Gray, of Mossdale Close in Whittle Hall.

"If these lads are going to do it to one kid, they may do it to another. The next kid could have brain damage."

His son Alex was attacked at around 7pm to 7.20pm last Wednesday, September 21, by around six lads aged 16 to 17.

The gang was hanging around outside St James Primary School in Dorchester Road, Hood Manor. They followed Alex after launching a tirade of unprovoked abuse and then attacked him from behind.

One of the gang held him while the others assaulted him and they kicked him as he lay unconscious on the ground.

Alex suffered a broken nose, severe bruising to the cheekbone and a large cut above his eye. Doctors initially feared he might lose his sight in one eye because of the amount of bleeding.

The police were called at 8pm and came round at 10.30pm the next night, Thursday.

By then, Mr Gray, a computer engineer, had become exasperated after at least five calls to the police.

"I know you see things about a lack of resources. But I can't believe they don't want to do anything about it," he said.

Police spokesman Mark Houghton said: "Investigations are making progress. Anybody with information should call PC Dan Lewis on 01244 612627 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."