THE father of a Ruislip teenager attacked by a group of youths has today spoken out about his son's experience.

The 16-year-old had to have 16 stitches in each of his thighs after he was cut by two members of the gang in Dukes Road, Acton, on Saturday, December 15, at around 8.45pm.

The attack left the victim and his father, so scared of retaliation they do not want to be named.

The boy's father said: "I think the impact on the family was devastating.

"It wasn't just him. The whole family was shocked because he's not the sort of boy who would get involved in something like this. It was a completely unprovoked attack.

"He wasn't coming out of a club or a pub, he was just walking down the street at 8.30pm."

The teenager was out celebrating a friend's brithday when the attack took place.

The group had planned to go to a bowling alley at the Park Royal Leisure Complex, in Dukes Road, but were told the club does not let in under 18s after 8pm.

They went to a fast food restaurant and were on their way to Park Royal Underground Station, when they saw the group of between six and eight black boys, and between four and five black girls walking towards them.

Police believe two of the boys cut the 16-year-old's legs.

The victim is a sixth form student and has been studying for important exams.

But his father said the attack has derailed his revision and, while his stitches have been taken out and he is back at school, he is still recovering.

His father said: "He's got a good support group with friends coming round to see him and he's got a supportive family as well.

"It is not a physical thing it's more a mental thing."

His father said he knows his son has to go out with friends, but after the attack, he said he does not know where they will be safe.

He said "He's tall, but with these kids it doesn't matter how big you are because a lot of them have knives and guns.

"If these guys do that what else could they do? If they'd had a gun they would have shot him, you can't take any chances."

No arrests have been made and Ealing Police are still appealing for witnesses.

Three of the gang were described as black and aged between 16 and 18. One was wearing a black Nike baseball cap, a long grey jacket and faded dark blue jeans.

Anyone with information can contact officers on 0208 721 7055 and quote the crime reference no 2537856/07.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.