A TEENAGER whose jaw was shattered in a random attack has spoken publicly for the first time about his ordeal and pleaded for witnesses to come forward to help catch those responsible.

Rory O'Reilly, 18, has been told he must undergo months of painful reconstructive surgery to his face after the unprovoked beating in Loughton High Road, which happened in the early hours of Monday May 3.

The former police cadet, of Tulip Gardens in Chingford, was on his way home from a night out with friends when he was set upon by the gang of men and women - leaving him physically unable to speak until now.

He said: “I'm still in a lot of pain. I find it very difficult to get to sleep at night and it is very difficult eating.

“I can only have soft food and even then I can only use one side of my mouth. You get cravings for meat and things like that so it's very frustrating. I've lost one and a half stone since it happened.

“I've been really depressed. I can't go out of the house.”

Rory, who is studying IT at Barking and Dagenham College but is now being tutored by staff at home, said he still was traumatised by flashbacks of what happened.

He said: “There were a lot of people out that night and I know a lot of people saw what happened. We just need them to come forward.

“Looking back on it now it seems like a bad dream. I can remember falling to the ground and I couldn't believe it was happening.”

He added: “I'm just grateful for all my family and friends, they've been so supportive, they've been amazing.”

Police are yet to release CCTV of the incident, but the two main suspects are described as both white, aged 18-22 and of slim build, although some witnesses think they may have been older.

One was about 5ft 8 ins tall with short, dark hair, wearing a green polo shirt top, white zip up jacket and jeans. Police say he also wore a "modern" style cap.

The other was taller, about 6ft and was wearing dark top and jeans.

Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact detectives at Loughton on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.