Police in Hampshire are appealing for witnesses after an 11-year-old boy was assaulted on his way home from school.

The incident happened as the schoolboy and a friend were walking home via the subway at the top of Commercial Road near McDonalds in Portsmouth.

They were approached by an unknown boy who hit the victim causing a swollen eye and pain to his head.

The suspect is described as a white boy, about 13 to 14 years old, 5ft 7 tall and wearing a blue jumper, black jeans and black trousers.

PC Jodie Lawford from Fratton police station said: “This was an entirely unprovoked attack on a young boy as he walked home from school by an older child unknown to him.

“Violence will not be tolerated in Portsmouth and I would like to hear from anyone who has information about this incident and can help us to identify the suspect.”

Anyone with information about the incident which happened at around 3pm on Friday, September 21 is asked to contact PC Lawford at Fratton police station by phoning 101.

Mini-Com users can call the police on 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.