POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an 11-year-old boy from Wallasey was assaulted during a racist attack.

At about 1.30pm on Sunday, March 14, the boy was riding his bike along Seaview Road when he was approached by a teenager.

The teenager began shouting racial abuse at the boy before assaulting him.

The boy sustained injuries to his head and has sustained a serious eye injury.

The offender is described as white, aged about 14, of slim build and with a round face.

He had short light brown hair and wore a light blue Adidas hooded top. He was walking with two girls at the time of the incident.

Enquiries are ongoing. Detective Inspector Dave Grisenthwaite, said: "This was a cowardly attack on a young boy. Merseyside Police will always take robust and positive action when investigating reports of racial abuse.

"We completely condemn any racist incidents and are committed to bringing those that commit hate crimes to justice.

"This kind of assault is thankfully very rare but a young boy has been left seriously injured and also extremely upset at what has happened.

"The force has a number of specialist Sigma Investigation Units to give our full attention to crimes targeted at minority and vulnerable groups.

"These units provide support for victims while taking action to arrest and prosecute offenders. One such unit is leading this investigation and working with the victims in this case.

"We are determined to catch the person responsible for this heinous crime and I would urge anyone who knows anything about this incident to come forward and make contact with officers."

Anyone who saw the incident or who has information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2610 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.