A SCHOOLBOY was today recovering from surgery after being left scarred for life when his head was smashed through a car window by a youth.

Robert Oldham, 12, was left with severe cuts to his face and hands after he was assaulted outside Hyndburn Sports Centre, Henry Street, Church.

The attack happened at 4.40pm on Saturday as the boy was waiting to be collected from swimming by his stepfather.

Police said Robert, of Duke Street, Clayton-le-Moors, had been involved in an argument with another youngster. Another youth got involved in the dispute and Robert's head was rammed through the rear window of a parked Ford Escort estate.

Sports centre staff dialled 999 and Robert was taken by ambulance to Blackburn Royal Infirmary. Medics discovered he had lost the use of two fingers and he was transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital where he has received skin grafts to his hands.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was later released on police bail for further investigations to be carried out.

Robert's stepfather Peter Taylor arrived to collect him from swimming to find paramedics treating the youngster, who was covered in blood. He said: "I got there and saw the ambulance,then Robert's friend Jimmy Fern told me what had happened. The paramedics had him in a side room and they were helping him. There was blood everywhere.

"Robert is only 12 years old and he's a very small lad for his age, about 4ft 11ins tall. The doctors have told him he will be scarred for life, on his face and on his hands. Hopefully he will get back the use of the fingers on his right hand.

"Robert said that he knew the lads involved, and there was a bit of pushing and shoving going on with one of the other lads - it wasn't even a fight. Then this bigger lad grabbed him and he didn't know what was happening until he realised the lad had put his head through the window."

Robert, a pupil at Norden High School, Rishton, lives with his stepfather, mother Susan Taylor, stepsister Joanne, 19, and six-year-old sister Elizabeth. He was set to be released from hospital but will be off school until after Christmas.

Inspector Bob Ford of Lancashire Police said: "We believe the victim was involved in an altercation with another young lad. The offender has approached the boy and forced his head through the rear window of a parked car. He is today receiving treatment for his injuries."

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