A teenager was dragged from the Metro and attacked as he made his way home from celebrating his sixteenth birthday.
The GCSE student from Newcastle was set upon after boarding a train, at Palmersville Metro Station, on Saturday night.
The lad, who the Chronicle has agreed not to name, was on his way home to Heaton after visiting his girlfriend when he was attacked in what is thought to be a case of mistaken identity.
Read more: Attack gang hunted after teen left with head injuries at Tynemouth Metro Station
Police are still hunting the group of thugs responsible for what was one of two violent attacks on teenagers at North Tyneside Metro stations at the same time.
And today the boy's mum has told of her anger as she vows not to let her son travel by metro again.
She said: "It's just awful. It's the worst feeling in the world knowing your child has been attacked.
"There's no way he's getting on the Metro again. Unfortunately it's going to cost me a lot of money as it will all be taxi jobs from now on."
The football mad lad had enjoyed his milestone birthday by playing a match before having a family meal then visiting his girlfriend, his mum said.
But his celebrations turned to senseless violence when he was dragged off the Metro by a group of around 20 yobs.
"He actually got on the Metro and was dragged off it by a group of kids," the mum explained. "They dragged him up the stairs. He was cornered by about 20 lads and girls. They kicked, punched and head-butted him.
"I think it was mistaken identity. One of the girls there said: 'I think we've got the wrong one'."
After the attack the lad was taken home by his girlfriend's dad. And his mum was horrified to see what had happened to him.
"His face was a right mess, his eye looks horrible. He's all bruised, it's horrible to look at," she said. "He's still really shaken up and he's in a lot of pain. He's off school today."
The mum added: "He's an outgoing lad, he's always happy and full of life. He loves football. He's sitting his GCSEs this year so he can't afford to be missing school."
Northumbria Police is appealing for witnesses to the attack.
A spokesman said: “We are investigating a report of an assault at Palmersville Metro Station at about 11pm on Saturday.
“It was reported that a 16-year-old male suffered injuries to his eye and mouth after he was assaulted by a group of males. Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact police."
The Chronicle told earlier today how police were investigating a separate incident in which a 16-year-old lad was attacked at Tynemouth Metro Station at the same time on Saturday night.
Officers do not believe the two attacks are linked.
The mum added: "I just think it's awful that this is happening."
Witnesses should call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference NP-20220402-1351.
