PICTURED: The woman displays her injured arm. Ref: 128

POLICE are searching for a 'scruffy' teenager who hurled a milk bottle at the plucky mother of an eight-week-old baby. The bottle shattered, severing one of the tendons in her right hand after she had told a gang of youths to stop vandalising a bus stop.

The 21-year-old victim, had to undergo an operation at Whiston Hospital to repair the tendon and damaged skin tissue.

The woman, who has asked the Star not to reveal her identity, had popped out to do some shopping at about 1.30pm on Tuesday, April 28, when she spotted four boys smashing up a shelter in Gartons Lane, Clock Face.

She shouted at the boys to stop, but they answered her back. One of the boys then picked up what is thought to be a milk bottle. She remembered: "He picked up the bottle and I thought he was going to hit me with it, so I put my arm up to shield my face. Next thing I know he throws the bottle and it hits me on the hand. The bottle shattered on impact and the surgeons say that is why so much damage was caused."

She continued: "The boys ran off leaving me with blood pouring out of my hand. I ran home and my boyfriend, who was looking after our baby, took me to hospital. Doctors there examined me and discovered that one of my tendons had been severed.

"As a result I had to stay in hospital overnight and I haven't been able to hold my baby since the attack. I hope that anybody who knows who did this will contact the police as soon as possible."

The boy who threw the bottle is described as 14-16 years, 5ft 4in to 5ft 5in, dark brown hair which was short at the sides and long on top. He was wearing a black/navy blue tracksuit top and blue jeans. He had a local accent and is 'scruffy'.

The other boys were described as white, 14-16 years.

Anyone who may be able to help the police with their inquiries should contact DC Ged Belger on 0151 777 6064, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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