A MOTHER has issued an appeal for information after her 12-year-old son was repetedly attacked.

Dorothy Richardson said her son Joshua has been assaulted a number of times in eight months.

The mum-of-five has reported four incidents to the police and now wants to make other parents aware of the devastating consequences of violence and bullying.

Dorothy, 38, who lives in Dovercourt, is also hoping a witness of the latest assault

will come forward to help police with their enquiries into the incident.

The assault happened on Friday, August 16, between 1pm and 3pm near Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles.

The witness was a man described as being about 30, with short brown grey hair, with a short beard and wearing a blue tracksuit.

He was with his two daughters aged between nine and 11 years old. Dorothy said: “I just wanted to thank the gentleman with his two daughters who noticed my son was being beaten up, was on the floor and being kicked by other kids.

“Thank you for stopping and telling them to go away.

“You told my son you would be at the café if he had any problems, I really appreciate it.”

Essex Police is investigating another allegation of theft and one of an assault in Hall Lane, Dovercourt, which took place last month.

It was reported Joshua had a phone stolen on July 12 and was assaulted three days later.

The youngster’s family say they are really upset and feel “frustrated”.

Dorothy said: “This is bullying, emotional and physical attacks on my son and it’s gone on for way too long now.

“Joshua had to go to stay with his friends in Clacton for a couple of days because he does not feel safe in Harwich anymore.

“He is under a mental health team as he has more than once said he wanted to end his life.”

She said Joshua is going through a rough time, as these incidents have affected his social life and school experience.

Dorothy added: “It is extremely heart breaking to hear my 12-year-old son say these things.

“Josh is too scared to go out now and I’m too scared to let him if he did want to.

“His nan has been in tears over this, as have I.”

An Essex Police spokesman said investigations and inquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.