A TEENAGER told how a thug yelled "K.O. Mate" as he punched him unconscious in a savage unprovoked attack in Boscombe town centre.

Matthew Webb, 16, who lives in Parkstone, was walking past NatWest Bank in Christchurch Road at 2am with a 15-year-old male friend when he was attacked by the man.

Matthew said that the thug and his blonde female companion, both aged in their late teens, followed the pair shouting abuse before the male launched into the unprovoked attack, egged on by the woman.

The teenager was knocked out for several seconds and was left with smashed teeth after being punched several times in the face, ribs and stomach.

The straight-A student, who attends Twynham School, where he has taken two of his GCSEs a year early, has been told by an emergency dentist he may lose some of his teeth.

Speaking from his home Matthew said: "Me and my friend were walking home from my friend's house through Boscombe and this chav was walking near us.

"He came up and asked us if we wanted a fight. He seemed drunk. Because we kept say-ing 'no' he started punching me - mainly in the torso.

"I didn't hit back. I didn't want to make things worse. He could have had a knife. I don't remember much after that.

"My friend says that as he knocked me out the man said 'K.O. Mate'."

Matthew's mum, Dawn, 34, is appealing for help to catch the man before he strikes again.

The mum-of-three said: "I can't believe it. I'm in total shock. I'm angry and upset.

"I can't understand what sort of man would beat up a younger person - especially one not fighting back. It defies belief.

"Matthew hasn't been himself since. Usually he wants to go out all the time, very sociable and cheerful and constantly speaking to mates.

"But he's been very quiet since it happened.

"I'd like the person who did this to be caught so he isn't able to do it to anybody else."

The thug is described as white, medium build with brown hair and aged around 19.

PC Phil Prentice, of Boscombe Police, appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

People with information are urged to ring Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 or the free and confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

First published: October 27