A SEVERELY autistic teenager was left with a huge black eye after he was attacked by two men.

The 17-year-old was walking home from college in Southend when he was set upon.

Two males, thought to be in their late teens or early twenties, pushed a shopping trolley into the victim in an unprovoked attack as he walked along Park Road, in Westcliff.

The incident sparked an argument between both parties before the victim was punched in the face by one of the suspects.

They both then fled scene.

Westcliff resident, Amaiyah Hassan, 20, said: “This is horrible.

“I go to the University of Essex Southend Campus and I walk the same way to get home.

“It makes you worry that you could be targeted like that when you’re walking home from uni or college.

“It’s heart-breaking to know that these vile boys were basically bullying this innocent boy for no reason and he’s obviously reacted and got a punch in the face for trying to defend himself.

“I hope this doesn’t affect him too badly mentally and that he recovers quickly.”

Police say injuries are not thought to be serious, however, the boy sustained a severely bruised eye.

A police spokesman, said: “We were called shortly after 5pm on Wednesday, January 22, with reports of an assault on a 17-year-old boy in Westcliff.

“He sustained injuries not thought to be serious.

“Anyone who witnessed the assault are asked to contact Southend local policing team on 101, quoting incident 42/11872/20.

“Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”