A MOTHER has called for the government to do more to tackle knife crime, after her 14-year-old son required surgery after being stabbed in a Dudley park.

Jack Harley, aged 14-years-old was stabbed, kicked and robbed in Priory Park on April 17. The teen, from Long Lane in Halesowen, suffered stab wounds to the arm, with the knife hitting his bone. He was knocked to the floor, kicked to the head and had his mother's air pod earphones and a bus ticket stolen.

The 14-year-old was especially vulnerable as he lives with with ADHD, dyslexia, has multiple social and emotional health needs and is on the autistic spectrum.

His distraught mum Diane said: "People who carry knives are cowards. They have to stop. It's not big and it's not clever, it's the coward's way out.

"He had already given them what they wanted. Why stab him?"

She called on the government to take a tougher stance on people carrying knives and for minimum jail sentences to be consistently implemented.

She added: "When they say a five years minimum for carrying a knife, they should stick to it."

Jack is now recovering at home after undergoing surgery for his wounds. Doctors said he was lucky to be alive, as he escaped being stabbed in the torso by raising his arm to protect himself.

Diane added: "He could have lost an arm or lost his life."

She continued: "He just wants to be a normal teenager. He doesn't see danger and it makes him vulnerable."

Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of robbery but have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police are investigating after a teenager was stabbed in Priory Park, Dudley, at around 9.15pm on Wednesday 17 April.

"It is believed the boy was approached by two people who threatened him with a knife before stealing his wireless earphones and stabbing him.

"The 15-year-old was taken to hospital with an injury to his arm and continues to recover at home.

"Two boys, aged 15, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

"Investigations continue and anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference number 20DY/ 92922H/19."