Two young boys, aged eleven and twelve, were attacked by a teenager while walking home in Shepton Mallet on Wednesday, February 7,

The assault occurred on Hitchin Lane between 9pm and 9:30pm, with the boys accompanied by two girls at the time.

Reportedly unprovoked, the attack left one of the boys with injuries after being forcibly held against a wall or pole, resulting in him hitting his head.

The other boy sustained scratches and bruising. Fortunately, neither of the victims required medical care following the incident.

The assailant described as a white male in his mid to late teens, was dressed in dark attire, including a beanie, a balaclava, a padded jacket with a fur-lined hood, black trainers, and glasses.

He was accompanied by another teenager, also white and of a similar age, with dark, curly hair who left the scene.

Avon and Somerset Police have responded to the incident with a commitment to engage with the local community as part of their investigation. "Our neighbourhood policing team is on the case and will be liaising with local schools to gather information," a police spokesperson said.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, especially those with dashcam or other relevant footage from the area at the time of the assault, to come forward. Witnesses can contact the police directly by calling 101 with the reference 5224033769.

For those wishing to provide information anonymously, Crimestoppers offers a confidential line at 0800 555 111 or through their website at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.