My son was taken to hospital after he was attacked by a teenage gang in balaclavas in Leyland

A Leyland mum is calling for a ban on balaclavas for under 18s after her son was viciously attacked by a masked gang of teenagers.

Jessica Tomlinson was horrified when her 15-year-old son returned home battered and bruised after being ‘jumped’ by around 10 masked youths near Moss Side Medical Centre in Slater Lane at around 8pm last Friday (May 22).

They ambushed him while he was on his way to a friend’s house and the vicious assault left his face and head so swollen with welts that mum and son spent the night in hospital while he was assessed for head injuries.

The attack is being investigated by Lancashire Police, but no arrests have been made at this stage.

All but one of the youths who attacked her son hid their faces with balaclavas, as they jumped on him and unleashed a fury of punches to his face and head.

The assault was only stopped when horrified members of the public spotted what was happening and ran to the boy’s rescue.

‘A horrifying and traumatic experience’

Jessica told the Post: “There were about 10 teenagers, all wearing balaclavas, except one who was unmasked.

“They took turns attacking my son, throwing endless punches to his face and head, trying to drag him down to the floor. My son had no chance to defend himself against a group of ten and feared for his life as he couldn't escape.

“This assault, a horrifying and traumatic experience, was only halted by the timely intervention of two members of the public and a concerned local neighbour.

“They’ve punched him that hard he had to spend the night in hospital being assessed. They’ve caused swelling on his head and face and damaged his nose.

“If it wasn’t for those members of the public and neighbour that intervened, my son could have been a lot worse off. I would just like to say thank you to them, from the bottom of my heart.”

‘Ban the balaclava’

Jessica is now calling for a change in the law which would see balaclavas banned from being worn by anyone under 18 to prevent further violent and anti-social incidents.

“This incident has left me deeply concerned about the safety of our children and the increasing trend of teenagers using balaclavas to hide their identities while engaging in illegal and violent activities.

“It is clear that wearing these balaclavas makes them think they can commit crimes without fear of detection or accountability.

“Allowing children to cover their faces with balaclavas not only hinders police from identifying offenders but also breeds a culture of fear and insecurity in our communities.

“In order to create a safer environment for all our children and community, I am calling for a ban on children under the age of 18 wearing balaclavas in public spaces.

“I’m urging local authorities, including South Ribble Council and Lancashire Police to take immediate action and support this ban. We can’t keep allowing these thugs to hide behind masks and get away with violent and unprovoked attacks on our streets.”

Sign Jessica’s petition - ‘together, we can make a difference’

Jessica is calling for a ban on balaclavas worn by anyone under 18 to prevent further violent and anti-social incidents, and to help police identify those involved in criminal behaviour.

She said: “Its truly awful what both of the children have gone through. There should be a law in place for the ban of wearing balaclavas in a public places for children for under 18.

“Wearing balaclavas allows them protection from the law, and its harder to prove they were at the scene.

“Please sign my petition to demand a ban on balaclavas for under 18s in public areas. Together, we can make a difference.”

You can sign Jessica’s petition here.

‘Please check your CCTV’

Jessica is also appealing for those who live in the area to check their doorbell cameras and CCTV for any images of the masked gang running away from the scene of her son’s attack between 8pm and 8.30pm.

She believes they might have been captured on camera along Moss Side Way, between Slater Lane and Northlands / Alder Close.

Anyone with information can contact the force on 101, quoting incident reference LC-20260522-1814.

Jessica said her son is the second child in the area to be attacked by a group wearing balaclavas in 24 hours.

Another boy was reportedly attacked near St James’ Church in Slater Lane the evening before (Thursday, May 20). He was said to have suffered a fractured jaw and a broken tooth.