The mother of 14-year-old boy who had to be put in an induced coma after he was robbed for his mobile phone “by a pack of hyenas” has appealed to the community to help catch his attackers.

Police said the boy, who is from the Kennington area, was with three female friends in Furzedown Park, Ramsdale Road, Tooting, on Wednesday, April 21, when about 10 youths, aged approximately 15, approached him at about 9pm.

Officers also confirmed the boy had “personal property” stolen.

Doctors put the boy in an induced coma after he suffered head injuries, police said, but his condition has since improved. He remains in a stable condition in hospital.

The boy’s mother said: “He’s a loyal and friendly boy who wouldn’t hurt a fly and every mother’s dream.

"I can’t believe that after the robbery they treated him like nothing, treading and stamping on him.

“They acted like animals and attacked him like a pack of hyenas. This kind of thing has to stop.

"If anyone has information, however small, please contact police to catch these individuals to it won’t happen to someone else.”

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Watling, of Wandsworth CID, said: “This was a horrible robbery of a young boy who was seriously injured by his attackers.

"We would ask anyone in the local community to come forward with information as we believe this gang of youths may have been hanging around the area for some time before the attack.”

Anyone with information should contact Wandsworth CID on 020 8247 8874 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.