THE mother of a teenager who was set upon by a gang in an unprovoked attack last night appealed for those responsible to come forward.

Jason Ramsey, 16, was with a small group of friends in Smiths Dock Park, Normanby, Teesside, on Friday waiting for a taxi at between 9.30pm and 9.45pm when the incident happened.

They were sat near the cricket pavilion when the gang came over and set about Jason for no apparent reason.

The attack lasted about ten or 15 minutes, and Jason suffered severe facial injuries.

His mother, Jackie, said: "It was terrible seeing Jason. He looked like the Elephant Man.

"You just do not expect something like this to happen.

"He was punched and kicked repeatedly and kept slipping in and out of consciousness. He is lucky not to have lost an eye."

Jason had to have plastic surgery on his face and stitches to his cheek, nose and top lip.

After spending three days in Middlesbrough General Hospital, he has returned to his Grangetown home.

The Eston Park School pupil is having to miss GCSE exams.

Mrs Ramsey said: "I have had to get a medical report for Jason to say he cannot sit his exams and we have been told they will use his mock exams and coursework to work out final grades."

The gang were in their mid-teens and early 20s. Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have information.

They are asked to call DC Niki Mellor on (01642) 301935.