A TEENAGER who was viciously attacked by a gang of ten men last night told how he was lucky to escape serious injuries.Joseph Welsh, 17, spoke of his ordeal less than 24 hours after he was kicked in the back and then punched in the face as he walked through the centre of Sudbury.

A TEENAGER who was viciously attacked by a gang of ten men last night told how he was lucky to escape serious injuries.

Joseph Welsh, 17, spoke of his ordeal less than 24 hours after he was kicked in the back and then punched in the face as he walked through the centre of Sudbury.

Mr Welsh, a student at Otley College, Ipswich, joined Suffolk police in appealing for witnesses to the unprovoked attack as community leaders called for a greater police presence in the market town.

“The whole thing was quite frightening and I feel I was lucky not to escape more serious injuries,” Mr Welsh said.

“I was walking through North Street when I saw these kids shouting abuse. I just ignored them and walked past.

“But as I did that, two of them came up behind me and kicked me to the floor and then punched me in the face, busting my nose and mouth.

“It was just a random attack, which makes it even worse, and I am relieved I was able to run away.”

Mr Welsh was walking with a female friend when he was attacked by the group at around 9.30pm on Tuesday night.

Although a gang of ten men were said to be involved, Suffolk police have issued descriptions of the two main attackers.

One was white, of average height and build, between 17 and 19 years old, with stubble and a possible skinhead. He was wearing a white baseball cap, white hooded top, blue jeans and white trainers.

The second man is described as white and wearing a grey hooded top.

The assault came just three days after a teenager was pushed to the ground and had his wallet stolen by three men in nearby Great Cornard on Saturday morning.

A 19-year-old man was walking through Poplar Road at about 4am when three men threatened him, pushed him to the ground and took his wallet.

The men - all described as about 20 years old, wearing dark clothes and baseball caps - were seen running off towards Cherrytree Road.

Condemning the incidents, Cornard and Sudbury councillor Peter Beer, said: “The incidents are very shocking, especially as these sorts of problems in the area are rare. Something must be done and what we need is a greater police presence.”

Chief Insp Chris Stokes, district commander for the Babergh area, said: “The Sudbury sector is one of the safest areas in Suffolk.

“However, we are not complacent and are committed to tackling crime by targeting prolific offenders, crime hotspots and responding promptly to any emerging issues or trends.

“Over the coming year, working with partner agencies, we will be introducing safer neighbourhood teams across the Babergh district that will enhance police visibility.”

Anyone with information about either offence should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

dave.gooderham@eadt.co.uk