THE mother of a profoundly deaf teenager with a mental age of seven says she is "disgusted" after he was attacked by a gang.

Jean Jenkins, of Lewis Lewis Avenue in Blackwood, says her 17-year-old son, Nicholas, was assaulted in broad daylight in Blackwood High Street. She says he was grabbed by the throat and kicked, and that one of the attackers threatened to burn his hair.

Nicholas - who has learning difficulties and is asthmatic and diabetic - had gone into town to buy a newspaper at Woolworths.

But after leaving the shop he was kicked and threatened by two young men and a woman, who were in their late teens or early twenties. "He said one of them grabbed him by the throat and told him he was going to die," said 54-year-old Mrs Jenkins.

"Another took out a lighter and threatened to burn his hair and the girl kicked him.

"When he came home I knew something was wrong straightaway. He was crying and was very upset."

She added she and Nicholas' three older brothers were extremely angry. Nicholas is studying life skills at Coleg Gwent in Cross Keys, and for the last ew weeks has been learning how to use money by himself. "This has put him right back. He doesn't want to go out to get his paper any- more," said Mrs Jenkins.

"I am absolutely disgusted. These people had no reason to bother him - Nicky doesn't bother anyone, he is a quiet lad."

One of the male suspects is described as tall, thin and wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans, white trainers and a white 'beanie'-style hat. The second male was shorter, with highlighted hair and wearing a yellow T-shirt and a black jacket. The female had dark hair and was wearing a brown jacket, blue jeans and black boots.

Gwent Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the assault, which happened at 4.30pm on March 7, near the Argos store. PC Paul Tadman said Nicholas suffered bruising and swelling to his face. He particularly wants to hear from the driver of a red Seat Ibiza, who stopped to talk to Nicholas after the assault.

"Officers are shocked by this and are asking for any help we can get from the public. We know how close the community is," he added.

Anyone with information should contact PC Tadman on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.