POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information after a gang attack in Deptford that left a teenager in a coma.

At around 7.20am on September 13 Daniel Allright, 16, was with two friends in the Friendly Gardens park in Friendly Street.

There was an altercation between the three boys and a gang of four or five other youths.

Daniel's friends got away but he was attacked by the gang - who struck him with an advertising hoarding, a stick and possibly a rope or a chain.

Although passers-by shouted at the attackers, the sustained assault on Daniel continued even after he had fallen to the ground.

The youths then made off - taking his bicycle with them.

Daniel, who lives locally, suffered head injuries and was taken by ambulance to Lewisham Hospital where his condition worsened.

In the early hours of Thursday he was transferred to another south London hospital, where he is now in a critical condition in a coma.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Barry Kemp, of Lewisham CID, says police have spoken to a number of witnesses, but need to trace anyone who has not yet come forward.

The suspects are black and white males - thought to be aged between 14 and 16.

DS Kemp is asking people to try and remember whether they saw the assault or the gang making off with Daniel's bike.

Police also need to trace anyone who may have been offered the bicycle for sale - it is a silver Carrera Fury (2003 model), with yellow and blue stickers on the wheels.

DS Kemp said: "This was a dreadful assault on a youngster that has left him critically ill.

"His mother tells us Daniel is a bright and well behaved boy, who had recently decorated his own bedroom.

"His family are devastated and we urgently need anyone with information on this attack to come forward."

Anyone who can assist is asked to call Lewisham CID on 020 8284 8406 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.