A TEENAGE boy was dragged from his mother’s car and beaten by a gang of youths outside his school.

Eyewitnesses said the 15-year-old’s distraught mum tried to intervene but was held back during the incident outside Colne Primet High School.

Police said the teenager suffered head injuries when he was punched and kicked several times.

Following the incident, which happened shortly after 3.30pm on Tuesday, he was taken to Airedale General Hospital by ambulance.

Police said he was still being treated in the hospital last night.

It is understood the boy was getting into his mother’s car when he was attacked by the gang of youths.

Yesterday, one parent said she had seen the ambulance in Dent Street, which leads to the school, and that her son had told her about the assault.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said her son told her: “The boy was dragged from his mother’s car as they held her back.

“Apparently they were wearing balaclavas or something similar over their faces.

“It was home time so there were other children and parents around. It’s really shocking.”

Janet Walsh, headteacher at the school, said: "I can confirm that an incident took place outside our grounds, shortly after the end of lessons, in which a pupil was assaulted by youths who do not attend the school.

"We are working closely with the police to help them bring to justice the people behind this deplorable assault.

“We are thankful that the young person's injuries have not led to permanent damage and we all wish him a swift recovery."

Police are investigating the motive behind the attack and issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

DS Mick Cross, of Pendle CID, said: “A 15-year-old-boy was approached by a group of young men as he was about to get a lift home from school.

“He was punched and kicked a number of times before the group made off.

“This was a serious assault and I would appeal to anybody who witnessed it who hasn’t already spoken with the police to contact us.”

Waterside Coun Dorothy Lord said she planned to discuss the incident with police at last night’s Colne Committee meeting.

She said: “It’s shocking, especially when they have come deliberately to do something like this and it involves a child’s mother.

“To think something like this has happened is pretty scary for any pupils going to school.”

* Three boys, from Nelson, two aged 15 and a 17-year-old, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail.

Comments unavailable on this story for legal reasons.