A YOUNGSTER who was attacked with a knife as he played in the playground of his trouble-plagued school has spoken about his ordeal.

Nathan MacNeal of Tarbert Crescent, Blackburn, was assaulted as he played with friends at Shadsworth Junior School, Blackburn.

He said two children - one aged 14 or 15 and one a few years younger - who were not pupils at the school, were playing football nearby.

Nathan said: "They came over and booted me in the leg and I fell on the floor. I kicked them away and then they sliced my shorts with the knife. I was scared and I ran back into the school."

He said he could not understand why he had been picked on. "Why they hit me for no reason I don't know," he added.

The knife ripped Nathan's school shorts and the kick left a large bruise on his leg.

His mother, Elaine, said: "I am concerned that this could happen. The school is too open and it needs a fence to keep people out."

Police are investigating the incident, but Inspector Bob Webster said the culprit was thought to be under 10 years of age.

The school is calling for a high fence to keep out the young louts.

Acting head Philip Taylor said the open layout of the school grounds meant outsiders had easy access to the playgrounds.

He said said recent problems included motorbikes being ridden through the school grounds at lunchtime and a gang setting fire to an abandoned car near the school.

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