I AM writing to express my extreme disgust at all of the Bishop Auckland residents and visitors who witnessed the assault and chase of a 14-year-old boy by a gang of yobs during a 40-minute ordeal (Echo, Mar 20).

What happened to British fair play? I can't imagine that nobody had the guts to interfere. How could you sleep after watching an act that could have ended in death?

Surely someone recognised a member of the mob. If so, get down to the police station and report them and get them off the streets.

TR McCormack, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham.