A FATHER today told of his anger after his 13-year-old son was punched to the ground and kicked in the stomach as he played football at the park.

A FATHER today told of his anger after his 13-year-old son was punched to the ground and kicked in the stomach as he played football at the park.

Kane McCarthy has been left with a suspected broken nose as well as mental scars after two young men attacked him in Whitton Park near Shakespeare Road, Ipswich.

The St Alban's High School pupil had been playing with brother Asa, 14, when two young men approached the boys demanding they hand over their bikes.

When they refused, Kane was punched in the face, causing him to fall and black out. He was then kicked as he lay on the ground.

The men fled from the area before a park ranger spotted Kane and called for an ambulance.

His father, Kevin, 48, said: “He was on the floor, covered in blood and they ran off laughing.

“He is very upset and traumatised at what happened.”

Mr McCarthy and wife Nikki, who live in Whitton, were shopping at a supermarket when they were called by their daughter telling them Kane had gone to hospital after being assaulted.

Mr McCarthy said: “It was frightening. We didn't know the extent of his injuries.

“When we got to hospital, he was covered in blood and had a bandage over his face. He was sobbing and in total shock.

“He couldn't remember anything - he couldn't remember going to the park or even what he did at school that day.”

Kane will have to return to hospital in a few days so medics can assess the extent of his injuries.

Mr McCarthy said: “Kane and Asa use the park everyday - they are always up there playing football and nothing like this has ever happened before.”

Police, who have launched an investigation into the assault, scoured the park for clues and spoke to witnesses.

Those with information are asked to call Pc Nikki Holley at Ipswich police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Have you been a victim of crime? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk