THE mother of a boy who was beaten up by a gang of up to 20 laughing youths in a Bolton park says her son was kicked around like a football.

Scott Hendry, aged 16, was punched to the ground and then repeatedly kicked by his attackers as he lay helpless and unable to defend himself.

The teenager, who lives in the Morris Green area of Bolton, was left with the imprint of a foot on his back as he was stamped on by one of the thugs during the attack in Queens Park, on the outskirts of the town centre.

He was left with cuts and bruises to his body and face in the attack which police say was "motiveless".

And today his mother, Donna Hill, revealed that her son has been left traumatised by the attack and said she broke down in tears when she saw his injuries.

She said: "They treated him like a football and two girls with him said the gang were just laughing as they were kicking him on the ground.

"They stood on his back and there is a footprint."

Scott was walking through the park on Monday at around 8.30pm with two girls, both aged 16, when he was called over to the group by two members of the gang whom he knew.

A third attacker then punched him, knocking him to the ground, where he was then kicked by other gang members.

Miss Hill, aged 32, added: "You would not think human beings could do something like this. I couldn't believe the state he was in and I started crying when I saw the footprint on his back."

Scott has been left with bruises over his body, neck and face.

His nose and lips are swollen and he has a black eye.

He was taken to The Royal Bolton Hospital for treatment and is now recovering at home.

Police have arrested and bailed three 19-year-old men on suspicion of assault until September, pending further enquires.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the incident just after 9pm and are investigating the attack.

The spokesman said: "This incident appears to be totally motiveless. We are treating our investigation into this matter very seriously."

Police are appealing for witnesses to call 0161 856 5663 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on free phone 0800 555111. All calls will be in confidence.