TEEN yobs threw a bottle of petrol over a man and kicked him as he lay on the ground in what police have called a random attack.

Police believe the group of four youths responsible for the attack in Trinity Close, Park South, on Saturday, were all around 15-years-old.

PC Jessica Dyer said: “This was a nasty attack which is believed to be completely random, although comments were made during the incident by the suspects which could indicate that this may be a case of mistaken identity. Either way, behaviour like this is completely unacceptable and would have been frightening for the man involved - it is lucky that he was not more seriously injured.

"Our enquiries are currently ongoing but we are keen to hear from anyone who either witnessed the incident, or anyone who saw a group of youths running from the area of Trinity Close on Saturday around this time. Any information you have could really help us identify those involved.”

The group struck at around 6.25pm on Friday, March 1. A 42-year-old man was getting out of his vehicle on Trinity Close when he was approached by a group of four youths.

One of the members of the group was reported to have thrown a bottle of petrol over the man.

As the man covered his face, he was knocked to the floor and kicked a number of times causing large bruising to his side.

The group ran off in the direction of Queens Drive, along Rushton Road.

It is believed the group involved were all boys aged approximately 15 years old. They were all wearing black clothing, with the exception of one who was wearing a white hoodie.

Officers attended the scene and carried out an area search but nobody matching the description was located.

The victim attended hospital, where he was treated for minor internal injuries and multiple bruising to his body.

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.