A Borehamwood youth who was beaten up in broad daylight in a racially motivated attack has spoken out against his attackers.

Joshua Gershinson, who was in the town centre to look for a job during his school holidays, was subject to an assault last Thursday in the town's Shenley Road.

A group of seven teenagers, six males and a female, aged between 13 and 15 years old, taunted Joshua as he entered Woolworths store at 1.15pm.

Joshua, 14, said: "I was coming out of Woolworths when these boys began to start on me. I didn't respond, and even crossed the road. It was definitely racially motivated. One of them asked me if I was a Jew, and another said 'Yes he is', and then they punched and kicked me."

Joshua escaped with some bruising, but was shaken by the attack and the fact that although the high street was busy, nobody stopped to help him.

His mother, Mrs Frances Gershinson said: "It is your worst nightmare to receive a phonecall and hear a voice saying 'Mum I have been beaten up'."

She is furious that an unprovoked attack could take place in broad daylight, and is also unhappy that despite taking Joshua directly to Borehamwood Police Station, he was not questioned by a police officer until two and a half hours after the attack.

She said: "I wanted the Police to go straight out and find these youngsters and at least give them a warning. Why can't they be on the ball. I am worried because it is the beginning of the summer holidays and I wonder how many other attacks like this will occur.

Mrs Gershinson has called for a greater police presence in the town centre, and warns parents not to let their children out unaccompanied.

Police have issued descriptions of two of the youths: One is a 5ft 5 white male between 13 and 15 years of age, was of a large build with brown eyes, freckles and short straight red hair. His accomplice was 5ft 10, of a slim build with short brown straight hair and was wearing a blue T- shirt and blue jeans.

Hertfordshire Constabulary's Deputy Area Commander, Superintendent Steve Ottaway said: "We do not tolerate incidents of assaults, whatever the motive, and treat all such cases seriously.

“However we have to prioritise the deployment of officers. The boy and his mother reported the incident an hour after it had taken place and as the boy was safe and well, other incidents, where life or property was in danger, took higher priority."

Any witnesses to the incident are asked to contact the crime desk on 01707 638102.