A SEVEN-year-old autistic boy with autism was attacked by a gang of youths by children more than double his age.

Taylor Rimell’s parents, who live on Queen Street, Dalton, have angrily spoken out about the incident on Sunday which saw their son punched in the face and kicked four times on either side of his stomach, causing bruising and psychological harm.

Taylor’s mother, Rebecca Rimell, 23, said she no longer feels it is safe for her son to play with his friends unsupervised.

She said: “Taylor was diagnosed with autism over a year ago.

“For someone with his condition, independence is important, but this incident has massively knocked his confidence.

“He knows not to provoke people so I’m certain they just unfairly attacked him.

“He came home with a bruised face after being punched, and had four kick marks on either side of his stomach.”

Mrs Rimell said her son had spoken to her about his fears.

She added: “He said he’s scared in case it might happen again, which is a horrible feeling.

“I just feel this has happened because there is a lack of facilities for the youth to blow off steam.

“If there was enough playing areas for older children, I don’t think this would have happened.

“The older children picked on Taylor because they’re bored, but that doesn’t justify what they’ve done; they’re bullies - end of.”

Taylor’s father, Lee Rimell, 33, said he was angry and frustrated,

He said: “I’m wheelchair-bound so it angers me that I’m limited to what I can do.

“I don’t feel confident with the Dalton area anymore."

A police spokesman confirmed it was aware of the incident and that investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with info are urged to contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log number 157.