An 11-year-old boy has been pulled off his bicycle and bashed in a daylight attack in Christchurch.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident in the Broomfield area of Hornby about 6.15pm yesterday.
The boy is reported to have been cycling along Vanguard Drive towards Buchanans Road.
As he cycled along the footpath next to 'Broomfield Common', a man walking towards him is alleged to have pulled him off his bicycle and assaulted him. The boy managed to break free and cycle home where he told his mother, who contacted police.
The man is described as Caucasian, aged about 50, a grey goatee beard, about 170cm tall, solidly build with a prominent pot-belly.
He is understood to have been barefoot and was wearing a black woollen jersey, black cotton track pants and a black beanie.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 03 363 7400 option 1.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
