EASTLEIGH police are listing part of the Boyatt Wood area of the town as a hot spot following a recent unprovoked attack on a 22-year-old Chandler's Ford student by a group of teenage yobs.

Lee Ayres was assaulted by a gang of up to ten 15 to 16-year-olds after visiting a friend on the Boyatt Wood estate during a visit home from Bournemouth University.

His mother, Lynda Ayres, told the Daily Echo: "Within minutes of leaving he was jumped on from behind by five boys who were punching and kicking at him in a frenzy.

Police stepping up patrols in trouble 'hot spot'

"Although 22 years old and quite capable of looking after himself, he then found he was surrounded by ten youths. Terrified, he ran to a house and banged on the door for help.

"But the woman was too afraid to open the door and offered to call the police. After about five minutes my son made the decision not to call the police and thought it was probably safe for him to leave. But on leaving the drive, they all came back at him, punching and kicking."

Lee, who suffered a badly bruised right eye in the attack, eventually ran back to his friend's house where he was given a lift home.

Mrs Ayres said: "The one thought that was going through his head at the time was that he must not fall down or he would be kicked to death."

She said her son had been embarrassed by the situation but further inquiries carried out by her and her partner had revealed Lee had not been the only victim of an assault and that a gang of young troublemakers were "creating havoc" in the Boyatt Wood area.

Police confirmed that they are designating the Twyford Road area near the BP filling station as a "hot spot" and the Shakespeare Road shopping area is already receiving special attention.

Sgt Julie Fry said: "There will be increased beat officer patrols over the weekends, particularly on Friday and Saturday, and special constables will also be encouraged to support these patrols."

But she pleaded for the public to help police with the situation.

"We need information and evidence from the community and I would ask that if anyone feels they are being intimidated when they walk into the Twyford Road garage to report it to the local police station."