TEENAGE thugs left a seven-year-old boy hanging by his coat from playground equipment while their friend photographed it on his mobile phone.

The youngster had been enjoying his summer holidays with his brother and two friends when he was targeted by four youths.

Police could not say if they thought the attack was part of the so-called "happy slapping" craze, where victims are humiliated and filmed on mobile phones.

The assault happened in the park off Broadway East, in Dormanstown, near Redcar.

The victim's mother, Diane, said: "The lads grabbed him. One got hold of his waist and another grabbed him by the legs."

The boy was left hanging by his hood on a climbing frame and filmed on a mobile phone.

His mother, who asked not to be identified, added: "There was a mark across his neck. He has been quiet and clingy since it happened, and he is scared to go out.

"Last night he had nightmares."

Nine-year-old Vicky Fowler was playing nearby when the incident happened and her quick actions to rescue her friend prevented him being seriously injured.

She said: "Two of them got hold of him and another boy pushed him from underneath to hang him up. Then they ran off laughing.

"I climbed on the monkey bars to see how I could help, but I couldn't do anything because he would have fallen.

"I jumped down and pushed him up from the bottom and he unhooked himself."

One of the thugs had a yellow top with short sleeves and was wearing a black hooded top with a red stripe down one arm.

Another is described as having short dark brown hair and wearing a light blue top with short sleeves and light blue denim jeans.

A third boy wore a black hooded top and had a grey bike.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact police on (01642) 302626.