Teen thugs bash boy, 12

Jaw broken as cowards make off with his shoes

A CHILD is recovering after being severely beaten in a cowardly attack by four teenage boys – all for a pair of shoes.

The 12-year-old boy suffered a fractured jaw, chipped tooth and grazing after he was dragged from a taxi and set upon by the four teenagers.

Police will allege the boy was at Helensvale Train Station about 6.30pm on Sunday when he was approached by four boys and a girl. It is believed the teens knew him.

He tried to run from his attackers and hide in a taxi, but was dragged out and beaten.

Officer in Charge of the Child Protection Investigation Unit, Detective Senior Sergeant Troy Penrose said the attack was reprehensible.

“It’s cowardly. It’s troubling when the victim of such an attack is so young, but we will commit all necessary resources to the investigation and I’m confident we will get those responsible,” Sen-Sgt Penrose said. “He’s only 12, he’s a child and I don’t think cowardly is a strong enough word for an attack on a 12-year-old boy, even if it’s from other boys.

“We believe the offenders are teenagers, around the 14year-old age mark … we’ll allege they did steal his shoes and attempted to steal his mobile phone.

“We suspect these offenders have a footprint in the Logan area, but we do have reason to believe that there are some Gold Coast links.”

The sister of the victim took to social media to vent her frustrations over the attack.

“We will not stop till (sic) they are caught. They deserve to be put in jail but nope they will probably just get a slap on the hand,” the sister wrote.

“They have broken his whole jaw and possible nerve damage. It’s not a short healing process, it’s going to be months and maybe even forever. They have ruined his life. He can’t play football this year and not just physical damage but mental damage too little scumbags.”

Gold Coast Cabs executive general manager Benjamin Lee said the taxi driver took the boy home.

“Our driver assisted the male and drove him back to his home address. The victim declined the driver’s offer to transport him to the local police station,” Mr Lee said.

“Gold Coast Cabs has reviewed the incident internally and will continue to assist the police with their enquiries.”

No arrests had been made at the time of print. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have any information.