Boy assaulted in alleged racial hate crime

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated actual bodily harm

Two teenagers have been arrested after a boy was assaulted in an alleged racial hate crime, police have said.

Cumbria officers were called to a report of a racially aggravated assault involving a group of boys in the area of Brookside, Carlisle, just before 17:00 BST on Wednesday.

A second incident was reported shortly after in the Heysham Park area involving the same group.

Although the boy was hurt, he did not need to go to hospital.

Police said a Carlisle boy in his early teens was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated actual bodily harm and racially aggravated harassment with fear of violence.

A boy from Preston, Lancashire, also in his early teens, was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated actual bodily harm.

They were both taken to custody and police are continuing to investigate.

Cumbria Police said there would be an increased police presence in the area "to provide reassurance" to the local community.

"Officers will also be engaging with community stakeholders," a spokesperson added.

Anyone with information should contact police.