A TEENAGE boy was attacked by a pair of thugs on a motorbike near a parade of shops.

The boy was approached and assaulted in King Edward Road, Laindon.

A number of residents posted on Facebook about the nasty early evening incident.

Chris Elmsworth, posted: “I’ve heard a boy was attacked by two others on a bike.

“This is dreadful and I really hope he’s doing okay.

“If anyone knows anything they must tell the police.”

Essex Police is appealing witnesses.

A force spokesman said: “We were called to reports of an assault in King Edward Road, Basildon, shortly before 7.15pm last Thursday.

“It is believed two boys, who were on a motorbike, stopped to assault another teenage boy. They then drove off in the direction of Powell Road.

“The victim was not seriously injured.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/13507/19.

“Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Councillors have condemned the behaviour too.

David Harrison, Wickford Independents chairman of Basildon Council’s neighbourhoods and public spaces committee, said this was all pretty shocking.

He said: “With anything like this, I cannot understand the mentality of someone who would do this sort of thing.

“I think the answer is we need more police on our streets.

“I just cannot understand why someone who go around and just attack someone in an unprovoked manner.

“I think this could cause some fear and concern in the community but it shouldn’t do.

“The number of these incidents is fairly small but one incident is one too many.

“This is someone’s son who has been attacked and of course my thoughts and best wishes are with the victim and his parents and family at this time.

“This is not the sort of thing I or the majority of the borough want to keep happening.

“I hope this incident doesn’t cause this teenager to be fearful about going out, as that is the concern with these sorts of incidents.”

Mr Harrison said he would urge the community to stand strong against this sort of behaviour and not be put off going out.

He said there is a danger that the fear of crime becomes more than the fear of the incident itself.