Grammar schoolboy fighting for life after attack by mob outside mayor's office

A promising A-level student was today fighting for life in hospital after he was savagely attacked in the street.

Grammar schoolboy Sam Eastwell, 17, suffered life-threatening injuries when he was beaten unconscious.

Two gold rings were torn from his fingers as he lay unconscious in the street.

He was discovered battered and bleeding outside the mayor's office in Ramsgate, Kent, by a passer-by who raised the alarm.

Police said his pockets had been rifled and belongings including his phone and MP3 player had been taken.

Detectives are linking the attack to two other robberies committed in the town the same evening.

Following the discovery of Sam's unconscious body he was rushed to hospital before being transferred to a  specialist head injuries hospital in London.

Since Thursday's attack surgeons have performed two life-saving operations.

His condition was today described as "serious but stable", and he remains on a life-support machine.

Sam's mother, who is keeping a vigil at her son's hospital bedside, today made an emotional plea to help track down his attackers.

She said: 'We can't believe that Sam has suffered such injuries in an area we love and in which Sam has lived all his life.

Fighting for life: Sam pictured with his girlfriend Louise Sweeny, aged 16

The Mayor's offices in Albion Place, Ramsgate where the attack took place

'He is a hard-working, sporty and very outgoing teenager who has aspirations to become a police officer.

'Sam is a very popular young man and he has a very large and close circle of friends.'

Sam had earlier taken his driving theory test and is awaiting his A-level exam grades.

Clarendon House Grammar School in Ramsgate where Sam Eastwell is a pupil