A mother of a boy arrested for attacking a vulnerable woman with eggs and flour has claimed that the backlash from her child’s actions has “ruined his 16th Birthday.”

Police have been slammed for protecting the welfare of the six boys who were allegedly involved in the attack on the woman in Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk.

The families of the teenagers were forced to ask for police protection after a picture of the gang posing next to the cowering woman circulated online sparking mass outrage.

The photo caused a furious response, with people deeming the boys "thugs" and "yobs."

Five boys have been arrested in relation to the attack and a sixth boy has been questioned under caution, police said.

The step mother of one of the boys arrested told The Sun that the backlash her child had received from the public had “ruined his 16th birthday.”

She said: “My son's name has been leaked over the internet and we've had threats.

"I reported the abuse to police and we're under their protection.

"This isn't what we need. It's my son's 16th birthday and we've got family here for his party."

Police confirmed that they were safeguarding the boys on Monday.

This decision angered some members of the local community.

But local Stuart Blowers, 36, told The Sun that he thought the police were a joke.

"It is disgusting that they are going to get police protection after what they did to that lady," he said.

Acting Detective Superintendent Barry Byford said: "This is a live investigation and we do not support vigilantism in any way, shape or form.

“Social media users should remember that sharing names and images, which may later form part of a criminal investigation, can disrupt or jeopardise the case.

"We are satisfied that we have spoken to everyone involved with the incident and we are continuing to support the victim.”