THE family of a Bolton boy who was tied to a tree and burned in a "happy slapping" attack criticised prosecutors for not taking action against the youths involved.

Three teenagers were part of a group who admitted binding 13-year-old Kyle Parker to a tree, setting fire to him and filming the assault on mobile phones.

But the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced it would not pursue the matter because the youths, all aged 15, were of "previous good character".

Kyle's mother Maxine Lever condemned the decision, saying: "I am absolutely disgusted and really angry and annoyed about it because they should be punished for what they have done. Kyle could have been burned alive."

The teenager, from Tonge Moor, was confronted by the gang of older pupils when he ventured into the woods near Smithills High School with three classmates during his lunch break on July 8.

The bullies tied him to a tree, bound his legs together with a school tie, placed a monkey mask over his face and gagged him. They then set fire to the tape and filmed the 20-minute assault on their phones.

Escape

Kyle eventually managed to scramble free and escaped serious injury, but he now attends a different school.

Thirteen schoolboys, all aged 15, were arrested and three of them subsequently admitted involvement in the attack during interviews with police.

But a CPS spokesman said: "We decided not to prosecute because the victim was unable to identify any of the suspects when he was shown photographs.

"Three of the boys did admit the attack on Kyle, but because of their previous good character we thought it was unfair to single them out and pursue the prosecution."

One pupil was expelled from Smithills High and six others were suspended.

Is it unfair to single out these 'Happy Slappers'? Have your say.