A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was battered unconscious and left in an alleyway after spending a quiet evening with friends.

Jason Morris was attacked yards from his home in Great Lever.

He suffered head injuries, a large gash to his chin, a serious injury to his left eye and was covered in cuts and bruises.

A member of the public discovered Jason as he lay unconscious and called the emergency services.

Now recovering at home, he must wait to see if he will lose the sight in one eye.

Jason's mother, Dawn, is desperate to know what happened to him.

She said: "He was left for dead. He could easily have been killed. They just left him there, not caring what would happen to him."

Jason, who is studying car maintenance at college, had been with friends at a house in Holmes Street, Great Lever, on Saturday, January 14.

He set off walking home at around 10pm.

The next thing he remembers is waking up in hospital, with parents, Ian and Dawn Morris, by his bedside.

Mrs Morris, aged 42, said: "I would urge anyone who knows what happened to come forward, if only for Jason's sake because he can't remember what happened.

"After he was found, his friends came running out of the house nearby to see what was happening and then realised it was Jason who had been attacked.

"He kept saying he just wanted to come home so they tried to carry him but they had to call an ambulance on the way.

"When I saw him, I didn't recognise him. His face was covered in so much blood.

"We had to clean him before we could see what injuries he had suffered. Since the attack, all he has done is sleep. We have to monitor him closely because, with any serious head injury, he is susceptible to bleeding on the brain."

Jason, who is still too traumatised to speak about the attack, was in hospital for three days, is suffering from headaches, slurred speech, dizzy spells and tiredness. He is due to return to hospital for an eye test next month to see if there is any lasting damage.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton Police on 0161 856 5593.