A VULNERABLE teenager who was mugged by two thugs has thanked strangers for their kindness after anonymous supporters clubbed together to buy him a new bike.

Tom Adams, 13, was on his way home from St Helena School, in Colchester, when he was attacked by two boys at an underpass near Sheepen Road.

The pair launched punches at the youngster and stole his bike after Tom told them he “just wanted to go home”.

Tom’s mum Gemma said he had spent £300 on upgrading his mountain bike thanks to a Christmas present.

The teenager, who has ADHD, had his confidence “stripped away” by the theft.

After his stolen bike could not be recovered, strangers have since rallied around to help Tom, donating more than £800 to fund a replacement.

Gemma thanked the team at Cycle Revolution, in Peartree Road, Stanway, for supplying her son with a new bike and chipping in for some extra equipment.

She said: “It will be nice to get the message of thanks out to everyone. Tom was really grateful for all the kind messages of support, it really helped him when trying to get over this horrible incident.

“He started boxing twice a week and this has really helped. He is still nervous going out without his friends but he is doing better.

“He even managed to use his new skills to avoid conflict the other day which made me proud. Some boys were being mean and Tom said ‘I don’t want any trouble, if you leave, we will leave’.

“This was a phrase taught to him by a coach at the boxing club. Tom was proud he managed to stop a fight escalating.”

She added: “Cycle Revolution were so lovely. They all chipped in to get Tom some extra bits and have invited him to join them when they start their group rides again.”

After the mugging, which took place at about 3.10pm on April 14, Essex Police said a boy had been spoken to in relation to the incident. Anyone with information can call police on 101 and quote crime reference number 42/70198/21.