A 10-YEAR-OLD victim of school bullies is living in terror of further attacks.

The pupil at a school in the Cumnock area has been targeted for more than a year and on one occasion came home with strangulation marks on his neck.

He has been pushed down stairs, been threatened that he will be stabbed, and was jumped and assaulted in the school playground.

As a result of the viscous attacks and constant threats, he is now struggling at school and his mum is at her wits end in trying to put a stop to the cruelty.

She contacted the Chronicle, asking that we do not identify her or the victim, suggesting that the bullies’ parents have to get involved.

“One of the times he was attacked outside the school I am told that there were parents there who knew my son and his attackers.

“I have had meetings with the school and they have tried their best to solve the issue but I feel their hands are tied.

“When the parents stood and watched the attack, and did nothing, that was worrying and a complete stranger brought my son home.

“This is a massive issue. Bullying is endemic in schools and if anything happens to my son I will demand answers.

“His health is suffering already, he can’t sleep at night and he has run away from school twice — parents need to be aware that their children are out of control,” she added.

We have passed a dossier on the incidents to the education authorities as well as a senior member of staff at RespectMe, Scotland’s anti-bullying service.

A spokeswoman for RespectMe said: “This is no longer bullying, it has reached another level and has to be treated differently.

“The pupil is the victim of assault and the incidents should be reported to the police and dealt with as a crime. I would urge parents in the same situation to contact the police.

“When your child is the victim of bullying you have to keep talking to them as it is the mental impact that can have long-term effects.

“Even if it appears the bullying has stopped we would always advocate to keep talking to the child to help them. The lady who contacted the Chronicle clearly needs to escalate her actions.”

East Ayrshire Council have a zero-tolerance policy on school bullying and fully support the aims of RespectMe which are: “A respecting, just, equal and inclusive Scotland in which all children can live free from bullying and harassment to reach their full potential.”

Alan Ward, East Ayrshire Council’s Head of Education said: “We have a respectful relationship policy which operates effectively in our schools.”