READERS have reacted with "shock and anger" after an 11-year-old boy was stamped on and kicked during an unprovoked attack as he walked home from school in New Ferry.

At around 3.20pm on Wednesday, it is reported the victim was walking along New Chester Road when he was assaulted by three unknown older schoolboys.

One of the males is said to have stamped on his side after he fell to the floor and another kicked him in the leg.

The boy suffered minor injuries and was left shaken by the incident.

Reacting to news of the incident on social media, readers expressed their shock and anger.

sueg2010 wrote: "It amazes me how nowadays the wannabe 'hard' lads don't take on lads bigger than themselves, or whilst on their own.

"When my lads were growing up, if they saw something like this happen, they would intervene and make the bully know what it feels like, not by hurting them, just shaming them in front of everyone.

"Some feral kids need to understand they will always one day meet their match whether they are looking for it or not! Parents have a lot to answer for, we are responsible for all our kids do until they are 18!

"Hope the young lad is ok and hope they find the scum that did this to him. To bully in a pack and going for younger kids shows they are actually weak and probably have some form of intellectual deficit that's likely genetic."

Hallie Kellie Jones commented: "Happened to my daughter with four girls in Mayer park. Managed to find them but not much got done."

Gianina Iorga put: "Omg is getting scary, freaky for our kids and for us like parents. What is going on with all this out of control? Have they got no parents ,sisters or brothers..??"

Louie Ruhe wrote:  "If my kid done that to somebody i'd throw them round there bedroom simple as."

Marie Camara asked: "Come on people we need to get a grip of our kids out of control. What the hell is going on x"

Sue Alexander put simply: "Shame on you disgusting evil bullies." 

A police investigation into the incident continues.

Detective Inspector Debbie Tipton said: "For a young boy to be attacked in this unprovoked way is totally unacceptable, and we would appeal to anyone with any information, no matter how small, to come forward and help us with our investigation.

"If you were near to New Ferry Park or New Chester Road and saw this incident or have dash cam or phone camera footage, please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact our social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 21000236849 or call the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

You can also use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.