Catch bullies who attacked our Lloyd (From Warrington Guardian)

Catch bullies who attacked our Lloyd

THE family of 12-year-old Lloyd Bates, who is visually impaired, are calling for justice after bullies beat him, smashed his glasses and left him to crawl home.

Lloyd's father, Stephen Bates, says the police are not doing enough to catch the teenage thugs and their female adult accomplice responsible for the unprovoked attack.

Mr Bates claims Cheshire Police is hampered in its investigation because it does not have specialist video equipment needed for interviewing his son.

But Cheshire Police spokesman confirmed the incident was being followed up.

Mr Bates, aged 45, of Morris Avenue, Latchford, said: "It's horrendous that this type of thing can happen.

"Justice is not being served. Lloyd had to crawl away because he couldn't see."

The incident happened outside Alderman Bolton Primary School on Wednesday last week, at around 3pm, when a woman held Lloyd while two older boys beat him up. It is unclear what prompted the assault.

The attackers smashed his glasses so that he would not be able to see.

Lloyd suffers from Sticklers Syndrome, which means he can only see two inches in front of him and makes him prone to suffering from detached retinas.

He had to be taken to Warrington Hospital following the attack to have his eyes checked.

Mr Bates says he now has to drive his son to and from school because he is worried about further attacks.

Mr Bates says he is now thinking of leaving the area or face keeping Lloyd and his six-year-old brother, Billy, indoors all the time.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police confirmed that specialist video equipment was needed to record statements taken from children. He said: "Just because Warrington has not got that facility would not mean that we would not follow up the incident. Inquiries are being made at the school and it's being looked in to."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.