THE mother of a pupil at Braithwaite School has expressed her disgust that no-one came to the aid of her son when he was assaulted in Keighley Bus Station.

Susan Gray has criticised people for not helping out her 15-year-old son Matthew when he was subjected to an alleged attack in the bus station at around 3.30pm last Friday.

Matthew, who has slight autism, learning difficulties and a condition known as global delay, was left with cuts and bruises to his face following the allegedly unprovoked attack.

Susan, 39, from Western Road, Skipton, said: "Matthew was just waiting for his bus when this young lad attacked him. He was knocked to the floor and attacked.

"There were two security guards who were there and the station was absolutely full of people, and yet no-one did anything to help him.

"Because of his learning difficulties it has taken nearly two years to give him enough confidence to travel on the bus from Skipton to Keighley.

"The teachers at Braithwaite School have been fabulous and he had started to feel more grown up and independent, but this has really set him back.

"He tries to be hard about it, but it's hurt his pride and I think he is genuinely frightened about what has happened."

Susan originally expressed dissatisfaction with the way police had dealt with the incident, claiming she had been passed from pillar to post by West and North Yorkshire forces.

She was also angered that police chiefs had not apologised for the way the case had been handled.

Since last weekend she says that Keighley police have been in touch with her and are investigating the incident.

"The police contacted us on Wednesday and apologised for what had happened, and said they couldn't understand why nothing had been done," said Susan. "We just wanted them to do their best for Matthew."

Detective Inspector Trevor Gasson said: "The victim was interviewed yesterday by special officers and our enquiries are ongoing. We are also looking at CCTV evidence with a view to identifying the offender.

"This was a seemingly unprovoked attack on an innocent person going about his business in the bus station. It happened at a busy time and we would make a big appeal for people to come forward with information."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Phil Townsend on 01535 617083 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

A spokesman for Metro, which operates Keighley Bus Station said: "The security guards were dealing with a first aid incident at the time, which meant they weren't able to help.

"We have been in touch with Matthew's family and we have made arrangements that when he comes to the bus station he can go to the customer services point so someone can keep an eye on him."