Sign up to FREE email alerts from BirminghamLive - Black Country Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A little boy who begged an evil gang to stop hitting him during a horrific street beating is too scared to return to school, it has been revealed.

Mackenzie's mum, Amy Webster, said the 12-year-old is now fearful about attending school after the thugs strangled the youngster during a botched robbery in Aldridge Road on Thursday, February 27.

The group, believed to be schoolchildren, even tried to rip the youngster from his bike as he begged them to stop at around 10am.

The devastated parent has since launched a petition to combat how schools and the legal system discipline students that cause harm to others.

To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join our Facebook group here

She said: "Schools no longer have the sanctions to discipline pupils who cause Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and are fighting constantly to permanently expel pupils who behave like this.

"My son is now scared to attend school and carry on his education at the school he likes with his friends out of fear of seeing these youths who assaulted him. Why should Mackenzie be penalised in his education?

"Schools should have the authority and means to permanently exclude any child immediately who has assaulted another.

"It is unfair on any child to have to go through what Mackenzie has gone through these last few days.

"Schools should also be doing more on issues like this by showing pupils the after-effects if has on children who have been assaulted in unprovoked attacks by youths and on their families too.

"I also feel the law now needs to also change how minors who assault are dealt with legally.

"They know right from wrong and as such should be treated as an adult in cases like this. Harsher sentencing for youths must be sanctioned and if not, a penalty must be imposed upon the parents responsible for the youths.

"This penalty must then go into a court fund for the victim to be able to access at the age of 18."

BirminghamLive readers have spoke nof their utter disgust after the sickening attack, which has shocked the community.

"Horrible world we live in," one said. "Hope he's OK. Physically he will heal quickly, mentally he will not. Breaks my heart as it has happened to my own kids."

Another added: "What a vile and nasty thing to do to a young boy. Hope they get the culprits and give them a taste of their own medicine!!"

And a third wrote: "Such attacks are appalling and I agree serious consequences need to be applied to deter such behaviour. I hope the poor boy involved is given counselling and support to help him overcome the emotional, long-term damage."

(Image: Handout/Google)

A spokesman to West Midlands Police said an investigation is currently under way and are in the process of speaking with the victim.

They added: "We received a report of a 12-year-old boy being punched in the face in Aldridge Road, Great Barr, yesterday morning (February 27).

"An appointment has been made to speak to the boy in a comfortable environment to obtain further information.

"Anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk , or by calling 101. Quote log number 648 of 27/2/20."

To sign the petition, click here .