A SOUTHAMPTON teenager was left fighting for his life after a brutal gang attack by up to 15 youths.

Sean Kelly, 19, needed emergency surgery over the weekend to remove a blood clot from his brain following the attack.

His father Gerry today spoke of his shock and a rollercoaster of emotions, having first feared for his life and then the joy of talking to him last night as he regained consciousness.

One of Sean's friends had his broken leg in plaster and he was bitten in the eye and struck with his crutch.

Another friend was hit over the head with a bottle causing a cut. It was unclear how Sean sustained his injury but his recovery has amazed doctors.

Mr Kelly, 49, of Elgar Close, Sholing, said: "Sean lost his mother, Jackie, through a blood clot when he was seven. When I heard at 1am on Saturday that he too had a blood clot I just could not believe it. When I saw him there were so many tubes. I couldn't recognise my own son. Now he looks completely different."

He spent a frantic weekend at the bedside in the neurological unit at Southampton General Hospital but had the joy of speaking to his son when he came off life support.

"Sean is breathing on his own. The doctors and nurses have been brilliant but they have been amazed that he has come out of it so quick. I just feel elated at the moment.

"When I spoke to him, he wasn't sure where he was. He is still under medication. He has no orientation and doesn't know what has happened."

Hospital staff today described Sean's condition as "comfortable and stable".

Sean, an apprentice refrigeration engineer and former pupil at Weston Park Boys School, was left in a pool of blood after he and three friends were attacked by a gang of up to 15 youths at the bus stop outside Eastpoint Community Centre in Burgoyne Road, Thornhill.

A police patrol car came across Sean, also of Elgar Close, Sholing, minutes after the fight which took place just before midnight on Friday.

His father said: "This has come as a shock. Sean is one of the nicest guys you will meet. He has lots of mates and is full of life. He has never been a problem and never been in trouble.

"I feel angry. No one has the right to do that. Anyone who can so it, needs to be sorted out, needs to be helped."

Detectives spoke briefly to Sean yesterday and hope for a fuller discussion today. (MON)

They visited the crime scene yesterday and conducted door-to-door inquiries. Sean's group had been in The Elephant & Castle Inn in Bursledon Road, Thornhill, before meeting the gang at the bus stop.

One of Sean's friends had his broken leg in plaster and he was bitten in the eye and struck with his crutch. Another friend was hit over the head with a bottle causing a cut. It was unclear how Sean sustained his injury.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw the fight. Det Insp Derek Stubbington, of Bitterne CID, said there were three juveniles they particularly wanted to speak to.

One is about 15, 5ft 10in, stocky, wearing a white peaked cap and a shell-suit top. A second is 13 wearing a red and white sailing jacket and a third is described as a skinhead.

He said: "This was a very violent attack and we are taking it extremely seriously.

"There were a lot of people involved and there must be people who know who did this. All we want is names. They can phone us up as Mr or Mrs Anonymous if they like."

Anyone who can help Bitterne CID should phone 023 8074 5241 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.