The mum of a 10-year-old boy attacked by a gang in a cemetery has told of her anguish.

Jacquie - who has asked that we do not use her surname - has called for more police patrols in Deal following the assault on her son at the site in Hamilton Road.

The youngster suffered cracked ribs and injuries to his face, back, legs and wrist after he was set upon in broad daylight.

His mum says he was targeted by a group of 10 people, believed to be aged in their late teens or early 20s, after becoming separated from friends.

"Nine stood and watched while one attacked him," she said.

"My 10-year-old says the man who attacked him was wearing a green bandana, green gloves and a black hoodie with 'Green Gang' written on the back.

"He punched my child to the floor, cracking him against the concrete, badly banging his head and hurting his back, legs and hands.

"He then jumped on top of him. It's really vicious.

"When his friends came back to my son, they found him sprawled on the floor unable to get up.

"One of his friends called 999 and the operator told him to get off the line and to redial 101."

Jacquie says her son is recovering following the ordeal on Friday afternoon but remains really shaken up.

"He's not great, none of us are," she said.

"His eye socket is throbbing and it looks like he has cracked ribs. He also has a brace for his hand.

"Doctors have said the throbbing in his actual eyeball and surrounding eye is linked to a head injury, which would explain his concussion and an extreme headache for three days.

"He's asthmatic, and had an attack when he got home."

Jacquie believes her son is the fourth person to be attacked by the same gang in a matter of months.

"This needs to be dealt with," she said.

"I understand all the cuts, but we need some more police presence.

"I know the police are short-staffed and their funding is being cut, but it's becoming lawless in Deal.

"It will take my son a while to recover."

District commander for Dover and Deal, chief inspector Paul Barrell says officers are making enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident and are looking to speak to all of those involved.

"We are firmly committed to tackling violent crime and anti-social behaviour among young people and fully investigate reports we receive to get the best results for victims," he said.

"Deal has a dedicated town centre team, consisting of a town beat PC and PCSOs. These are supported by the community policing team and local policing teams, who are always on patrol in the area responding to calls we receive.

"We also have a youth intervention officer and a schools officer who work hard engaging with young people and working with partner agencies to tackle any issues which lay behind offending.

"Our work in the town depends on assistance from members of the public and I would urge anyone who has concerns about crime to make a report via our website or by calling 101"

Police say they are investigating a report that a boy was assaulted by a group of teenagers in Hamilton Road Cemetery between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on Friday.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/209110/22.