THE MOTHER of a man seriously injured in an unprovoked attack in Lydney is urging the parents or girl friends of those involved to give information about them to the police.
The gang is believed to come from a Forest village and after the assault in the early hours of the Saturday before Christmas it is understood they commandeered a car to take them out of town.
In a plea through the Review the mother says: "To the parents, girl friends and so-called mates of these thugs – and you know who they are – do you condone this? Come forward and contact the police to stop them inflicting any more serious injury on innocent people. My son has sustained injuries from which he may never recover, for what?
"He did not have any dispute with anyone to start with. I urge any witnesses to come forward. If this utter violence for no reason is not stopped then the next time it could be you," she said.
The assaulted man was waiting on a seat near the Dillons store in Newerne Street, Lydney, for a lift home when he was approached by another person.
"He sensed there was something not quite right about this man's attitude and decided to get from there. After recently suffering a fractured wrist he was in no position to defend himself if any problem did arise," said his mother.
"My son had not even seen this person previously that day or evening. As he walked down by the side of Dillons store to go to a friend's house nearby he was then viciously attacked. He was found unconscious in pools of blood with blood pouring from his wounds by two men who picked him up and thankfully saved his life."
She added that the attack was so violent doctors at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital at first thought he had been involved in a serious car crash.
Six days after the attack the man had to be rushed back into hospital with further bleeding.
"I have just spent nine hours at the hospital with him. These vicious evil thugs must be got off the streets and behind bars where they belong so that the streets can be safe for decent people to walk day or night.
"My son has suffered dreadfully from his injuries and the whole family has been gutted. We are distraught and have been unable to eat or sleep properly over the Christmas period," she said.
She is asking witnesses to the assault or anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or DC Andrew Thompson on 01452 521201.