A mother has called on judges to do more to help law-abiding youngsters after her teenage children were set upon by a bottle-wielding gang.

The mum, who has asked not to be named, spoke out after her 16-year-old son was repeatedly punched and kicked before being smashed over the head with a glass bottle outside Alldays in Hoover Drive, Laindon.

Her 18-year-old daughter was also threatened by a gang of up to 25 youngsters at around 8.30pm on Monday.

The mother said: "I just think it is disgusting that a group so big can walk around the estate threatening others.

"A lot of them are out of their boxes on drink and drugs.

"When they are brought up in court, because they are only 16 or 17 they get conditional discharges and are let go to continue causing trouble."

Police were still questioning two teenagers over the attack last night.

PC Nigel Wright, of Laindon police, is appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place on Monday at 8.30pm. Call him on 01268 532212.

Published Wednesday November 26, 2003

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