AN unprovoked assault that saw a mother and her autistic son attacked with tomato sauce by a group of youths has been condemned by a councillor - who labelled the incident ‘horrendous’.

Police are appealing for information after the mother and her son were targeted as they walked past Wilkinsons on Duke Street in Barrow.

The woman took to social media to highlight the issue and confirmed she had reported the issue to the police, who are now investigating.

The incident is the latest in a string of anti-social behaviour issues in the area after a group of youths were seen throwing cans and rocks at passers by from Portland Walk car park in August.

Barrow Borough Councillor Bill McEwan has launched a stinging attack on those behind the latest incident.

He believes more CCTV cameras may help issues - and he has urged youngsters in the town to ‘grow up and be decent people’.

He said: “It’s absolutely horrendous. These things need to be addressed so we can get on top of this.

"I know youths often say they have nothing to do but it never excuses such behaviour.

“The parents should be taking control of them. We have had issues with anti-social behaviour late at night and we got on top of that so we should be able to do it with this.

“I understand the police’s hands are tied with all that’s going on, and they’re short staffed, but something still needs to be done. You can’t have people going about minding their own business and getting hit with things.

“My heart really goes out to the people this happened to.

“We need to tackle the causes. It should be tackled in schools and by the parents.

“CCTV would help to some extent. But they might just avoid those areas or cover their faces, but it would help.

“It would be great if we got more funding for that. What I would say to those responsible is they need to grow up, be decent people. It’s a great little town, and some people just spoil it.”

Police said an officer attended the incident at 5.34pm on September 21 and the force has appealed for anyone with information to call 101.