A RACIALLY motivated assault on a child in Yate by youths sporting Mohican haircuts took happened less than 48 hours after the same boy had been chased by a group with a knife.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or information about either attack on the 11-year-old.

The first incident took place at 5.15pm on Friday, March 23 in Sundridge Park, Yate. The boy, of mixed-race, was chased by a group of teenagers, one of which shouted racial abuse at him. He managed to run away after seeing that one of the teenagers was in possession of a knife.

The second incident, at approximately 5pm in Troon, Yate, happened on Sunday, March 25.

This time the boy was assaulted several times by six young white males who punched the boy in the chest and stomach and kicked him in the legs. They then tried to steal a set of keys from him before riding off on BMX bikes into Kingsgate Park.

All the suspects were wearing black jackets, blue jeans and had muddy trainers. Witnesses may be able to identify the suspects from their haircuts which are described as spiky mohican-style in various colours; one blond, one blue, one black, one red and one purple.

Anyone who may have witnessed the attacks or know the suspects are asked to phone the police on 0845 456 7000.

Alternatively phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.