A Co Down man was left with concussion and in need of hospital treatment after reportedly being "viciously attacked" last week.
The 25-year-old from Bangor, who does not wish to be named, was attacked in Ballywalter late last Wednesday night, his furious mum has said.
Following the alleged incident, he made his way on foot to nearby Millisle where police later found him covered in blood before he was taken to hospital.
Read more: Man hospitalised after attack by gang armed with weapons
His mum said: "My son was viciously attacked in the early hours last Thursday in Ballywalter. Following the attack, he was left with no option but to walk five miles along dark country roads to the next town while bleeding from the head and in and out of consciousness.
"He was kicked in the legs and punched to the head and his glasses were smashed off his head. He is nearly blind without them and can only see shapes. When he left the scene to try and get help, he could not see clearly to cross roads or where he was.
"He made his way to a phone box to get help because those responsible for the attack buried his phone to hide it. At around 5am, the police found him, covered in blood from head to toe and scared and he was taken to the Ulster Hospital."
She added: "My son is classed as vulnerable and while he needs round the clock care, he still tries to live a normal life. He now has memory problems and nightmares and finds it hard to even move because he's in so much pain.
"He has been left with a serious head injury, staples in his head, a dislocated jaw on both sides and is very traumatised. I am appealing to find those responsible and bring them to justice."
The PSNI have been informed of last week's assault and confirmed that they are investigating.
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