Mum told her son to 'run for his life' as masked gang rammed car and smashed windows in horror attack

A mum has spoken of her horror after a masked gang rammed her car before smashing her windows as her 11-year-old son sat in the back seat during a terrifying daylight attack.
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Donna Jones has described the terrifying moment her car was rammed by another vehicle as she drove through Easington Lane at 11am after a visit to the dentist with her son Charlie.

The 42-year-old says she tried desperately to escape but her car was driven into a further two times and four masked men emerged, smashing the car windows during the daylight attack.

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The mum-of-six told her 11-year-old son to ‘run for his life’ when he eventually managed to escape their car on foot.

Donna Jones with son Charlie Jones, 11 who were subjected to an attack at Easington Lane.Donna Jones with son Charlie Jones, 11 who were subjected to an attack at Easington Lane.
Donna Jones with son Charlie Jones, 11 who were subjected to an attack at Easington Lane.

Now Donna, who was in the car alone with her son, is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the attack in Four Lane Ends, Hetton, to speak to Northumbria Police.

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“I’d never felt fear like it,” Donna said. “To do something like that in broad daylight when I have a young boy in the car.

"They rammed into the car about three times and began smashing the windows. It was like something out of a movie.

Donna Jones with son Charlie Jones, 11 following an attack at Easington Lane.Donna Jones with son Charlie Jones, 11 following an attack at Easington Lane.
Donna Jones with son Charlie Jones, 11 following an attack at Easington Lane.
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“When he had a chance I told Charlie to run for his life and he ran into some nearby gardens fearing they were chasing him down.

"They fled and I was screaming trying to find my little boy.

"There were so many people around when it happened watching on in horror.

"My son has nightmares from the ordeal.”

Damage to the rear of Donna's carDamage to the rear of Donna's car
Damage to the rear of Donna's car

Donna, of Easington Lane, says she hopes by speaking out it may encourage witnesses to speak to the police following the incident.

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Officers were called to the scene and an investigation into the incident following the attack in Four Lane Ends.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At about 11.15am on March 23 we received a report of criminal damage involving a vehicle in the Four Lane Ends area of Hetton-le-Hole.

Charlie pictured with the damaged car following the attack on March 23Charlie pictured with the damaged car following the attack on March 23
Charlie pictured with the damaged car following the attack on March 23

“It was reported that a group of offenders travelling in a car rammed another vehicle, before getting out and smashing its windows.

“The offenders then made off from the scene. The victims were uninjured but left shaken by the incident.

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“An investigation was launched into the incident and a 25-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of affray. He remains under investigation.

“A 30-year-old man has also been interviewed under caution in connection with the incident.

“Enquiries are ongoing and police believe those involved to be known to each other. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting reference 340 230321.”

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