The parents of a 12-year-old boy have appealed for help in identifying a man who they say kicked their son in the back close to Wem.

Cayley Lay has taken to social media to find a man, believed to be in his 50s, who she has reported to West Mercia Police for assaulting her son after an incident involving his bike and a dog.

She said that her son and his two friends were left ‘severely’ shaken by the incident but thanked people who came to check whether they were ok.

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And she urged anyone with information about the incident, on Sunday, March 24 at around 11.15am close to the villages of Clive and Grinshill, between the church and rescue kennels, to come forward to police to report it.

She said: “We’re wondering if anyone can help us.

“Our 12-year-old son was kicked while on the ground by a male dog walker, around 50 years old, khaki coat, grey beard and thick black glasses, and the dog was the size cocker/springer spaniel.

“Our son was riding his bike with two friends.

"The dog (off lead) veered into path as he passed by, causing an accidental collision between our son and it.

“Our son fell off his bike, and was kicked extremely hard by the man (green steel toe capped wellies) in the back, while our son screamed and apologised that it was an accident.

“He managed to get up and run away, not knowing if the man would follow him and the man then shouted at the other boys.

“A kind dog walker from the church direction arrived to help the boys.

“In the meantime the man (with dog unharmed) ran off in the direction of rescue kennels which is the way he had come.

“This man, before the assault, had been seen earlier talking to a couple with a Staffy dog before the incident.

“Needless to say we have an extremely shaken 12-year-old and two friends.

“We would hate for this to happen to anyone else.

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“If you have any information please help by calling 101, quoting police incident no. 171i24032024.”

Cayley reiterated that she did not want the man to be identified on social media but reported to police to ensure that other youngsters ‘are kept safe’.

West Mercia Police have been approached for comment.