A young boy was badly assaulted and had his bike stolen in a what police have called a “nasty attack” last week.

Wiltshire Police appealing are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who has any information about the crime in North Swindon to come forward.

On Friday 21 September 2018 at approximately 2.30pm, the 12-year-old boy was cycling towards Taw Hill along an alleyway behind the North Orbital Retail Park when he was pushed off his bike by an unknown male offender.

The young victim fell to the ground and was then kicked in the back of the head by his assailant before the offender took the bicycle - a black and blue coloured Cube mountain bike - and rode off.

PC Frank Key said: “This was a nasty attack on an innocent lad who was just riding along.

“If you heard or saw anything suspicious in this area on this day please contact me.”

The officer also asked anyone who saw such a bike as the one stolen being offered for sale, especially at a very low price, or any bike being sold at a price “too good to be true” to get in touch with him.

Anyone with any information can contact PC Frank Key on 101, quoting crime reference number 54180089423.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.