THE distraught mother of a 12-year-old boy was at her son's hospital bedside today after he lost the sight in one eye in a horrific street attack last night.

The local boy was found slumped and bleeding heavily from the head in Bury Road, Haslingden, by a police officer who was on duty in the area.

The boy, who was still conscious, was able to tell police that he had been attacked and a witness said he saw at least two boys hit the youngster in the face with a length of lead piping.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital where he underwent surgery in the early hours of this morning but doctors could not save the sight in his left eye.

The youngster was today recovering in hospital from his ordeal with his mother at his bedside.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at about 7.20pm, and said they may release the boy's name later today.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Haslingden police on 01706 215242.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.