A SCHOOLBOY from Newport was left “terrified” after being assaulted on his way home from school Rohan Ireland, 11, who is severely asthmatic, was attacked as he made his way home from Caerleon Comprehensive School.

Jacqueline Ireland, 40, Rohan’s mother, said: “It happened on his way home from school.

“Rohan was rugby tackled from behind when he was walking by himself. He didn’t see the person, but we think it was one of a gang of older pupils from the school.

“He was pushed into a bush, pulled back out, pushed him to the floor and punched in the head.”

Rohan suffered a bruise on his head, scuffed hands, ripped trousers and blazer and his mother said he’s scared to walk home alone.

None of his friends walk home that way as they all get the bus.

The youngster walks to and from school because he lives just under two miles away and is not eligible for a bus pass.

After the assault on October 17, Gwent Police advised him to take a different route home, which is just over two miles.

Mrs Ireland added: “It seems the council are being really difficult for the sake of being difficult.

“It’s like they have their fingers in their ears.

“I’m a bit stuck as to what to do now.

“The police told him to walk a different route, one that is just over two miles, but still the council are refusing to give him a bus pass.

“They say it’s a matter of parental responsibility and I should pick him up. But I have work and it’s just not feasible. He’s terrified to walk home alone.”

A council spokeswoman said: “Free transport may be provided in exceptional cases where the authority agrees that the route between a home and school is dangerous.

“We have not had contact from the police or the school asking us to provide transport for this individual, however, if this should change then we would review the situation.”

Gwent Police confirmed they were called to a report of an assault on an 11-year-old boy on a footpath off Lodge Road.

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.