A brutal and unprovoked attack left a teenage boy with a shattered jaw and unable to eat solid food for two months.

Fourteen-year-old Jake Adlington, from Hatch End, had been celebrating a friend’s birthday at the Nando’s restaurant in Watford High Street with several school chums and the birthday boy’s parents.

After eating their meal, St Joan of Arc School pupil Jake and his friends went to play hide and seek outside.

They were on the pedestrian approach to the intu centre, near the Primark store, when they were approached by four older boys, one described as white and the other three as black.

The white male walked between two of Jake’s friends and said to him: “Can I ask you a question bruv?”

Before he could answer, the thug smashed the teenager around the side of the face, sending him sprawling to the floor.

Jake’s jaw was so badly broken that an operation and three metal plates were required to repair it. He has been put on a diet of soups and smoothies for eight weeks while it heals.

While his friends ran to get help the attacker, who was seen smirking to himself, fled the scene. He was headed in the direction Watford High Street train station, while his friends walked back towards the town centre.  

The attack, which took place on Saturday, April 29, at around 7.30pm, is currently being investigated by police.

But Jake’s father Nigel is also appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation.

“As a parent if you can do something, no matter how small, then it helps. If anyone was there or knows of anything then please get in touch with police,” he said.

“It’s about a loss of innocence. These young lads were out for a birthday party. They are not really streetwise – they are not aware of the dangers around them.”

Gangs from Harrow and Wembley were thought to be in town that day, and so it is possible the attacker was not from Watford.

The assailant is thought to be aged 16-19 and between 5’8” and 6’ tall. He had a mouth brace, and was wearing a grey beanie hat and a blue jacket.

Detective Sergeant Ian Siggery, from the Watford Local Crime Unit, said: “This was a nasty attack which has left the victim with substantial injuries and he is understandably shaken by what happened.

“I am keen to speak to those pictured as they may have information that could assist us with our enquiries. I know we cannot see their faces but several of them are wearing distinctive items of clothing.

"If you recognise any of them, please contact me on Hertfordshire Constabulary via the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number C1/17/2265.”