AN 11-YEAR-OLD boy was assaulted and verbally abused in a racially motivated attack in Bridgwater.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened at around 8pm on Sunday, October 6 in Moorland Way in Bridgwater.

The incident was reported to police on Sunday, October 13.

A police spokesman said: "The offender to have punched the victim in the head and he was then kicked to the floor, while being verbally abused."

PC Jennifer Atkinson said: “This is a worrying incident in which a young boy has been attacked and verbally abused.

"We’re treating this as a hate crime due to the words used by the offender during the attack.

“The victim suffered bruising but thankfully no serious injuries.

"We’ve referred him to our Lighthouse Safeguarding Unit, so we can make sure that he and his family get all the help and support they need as the criminal investigation progresses.

“This happened in a residential area in the early evening so we’d ask anyone who saw all or part of this assault to come forward.”

If you can help, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219/237409.

You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.