SURGEONS are fighting to save the sight of a schoolboy who yobs may have blinded in one eye.

The 11-year-old has damage to a cornea after being hit in the face with a brick.

He was targeted by a gang in Middlesbrough, one of whom threw the brick.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "The missile hit the 11-year-old directly in the eye. He was taken to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where he was treated for 90 per cent damage to his cornea."

His attackers were said to be between 13 and 15 and all wore hooded tops and tracksuits.

The incident happened on the Erimus building site, near Thorntree Cemetery, Middlesbrough, at about 4.30pm, on Thursday.

Police, who revealed details only last night, are appealing for witnesses to contact them on (01642) 303126.