A group of teenagers are said to have followed a 12-year-old boy before violently attacking him at a country park in Bradford on Avon on Monday.
It happened at around 4pm at Barton Farm, near the River Avon, and resulted in the victim suffering a suspected broken nose.
The teenagers – believed to have been two boys and a girl aged around 15 years – followed the boy before one of the males punched him, and a girl shouted threats of further violence.
The first youth is described as being tanned, approximately 6ft tall and of average build. At the time of the incident he was wearing a black puffa style jacket over a black hooded top with the hood up and black tracksuit bottoms.
The second youth is described as being of paler complexion, approximately 5ft 8 inches tall and of average build. He was wearing dark coloured casual clothing.
PC Tim Marshall said: “A man who was passing the scene at the time intervened and could have potentially prevented anything more serious happening – we are keen to speak to him in relation to our investigation and to thank him for his actions.
“We are also keen to hear from any member of the public who may be able to identify those involved from the descriptions given or who may have been approached by these youths in the area.
“This was an aggressive and unprovoked attack on a young boy and his friend whilst they were enjoying the countryside in an area enjoyed by families and visitors to our county and this behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54200074177. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
