RESIDENTS of a sleepy close in New Malden have spoken of their horror after three schoolboys were brutally assaulted outside their homes at the weekend.

A 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after the attack in Virginia Close on Saturday morning, while two others, both aged 15, were treated for minor injuries.

The youths were reportedly chased into the cul-de-sac by a gang of around six teenagers and savagely punched and kicked at about 2am.

One pensioner living on the road described it as 'Deathsville' and said she had never known any trouble since moving there two years ago.

"The only noise you usually get round here is in the summer when you hear the little ones on their bikes," added the woman, who asked not to be named.

"I was totally amazed when I looked through the curtains on Sunday morning and saw miles of police tape."

However, other residents were less surprised and said they often heard teenagers making noise on nearby Kingston Road. One man, who also asked to remain anonymous, told the Informer: "I was a little bit shocked, but I can't say I was too surprised.

"You often hear youngsters coming down the road shouting and bawling, but I guess you get that everywhere."

Another neighbour said: "You hear noise quite a lot at the weekends, but I've always felt safe here.

"I was shocked when my little boy looked out of the window on Sunday and said the road was closed."

Police said the 14-year-old victim was in a stable condition.

His attackers are described as black and aged 14-18. No arrests had been made as the Informer went to press.

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 8247 4909 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.