A BOY of 11 was ambushed and assaulted by four youths in an unprovoked attack while out riding his pedal cycle.

The youngster was grabbed and escorted across Canal Road, Strood, opposite the civic centre, and frog-marched to the Passmores car park where he was beaten.

The four youths who attacked him also tried to rob him before they slashed his tyres with a knife on Saturday, June 18, at about midday.

PC Mick Patterson said: “This was a particularly vicious and unprovoked attack and we would appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, or anyone who may know the group of youths to contact us as soon as possible.”

The first offender is described as being black and about 14-years-old. He was wearing a red short sleeved vest with a number eight logo in white and white stitching around the shoulder. He had distinctive short beaded hair.

The second offender was white, also about 14, and was wearing a light-coloured top.

The other two were both white and not wearing tops. Both were also aged 14.

Anyone who might have seen anything in relation to this incident is asked to call police on 01634 884 252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.