Boy, 9, racially abused and punched at park

The nine-year-old was punched in the face and kicked while on the ground, police say

An investigation has been launched after a child was punched and racially abused at a park.

Wiltshire Police said the nine-year-old boy was riding a bicycle on Eastern Avenue in Walcot, Swindon, when he was approached by a teenager who later punched him to the face and kicked him while on the ground.

The boy sustained a bleeding lip and reddening to the ribs in the attack on Thursday, police said.

The suspect is described as around 15-years-old and spoke with an Irish accent.

He was also said to have dark brown hair and brown eyes, was about 5ft 2in (1.6m) tall and was wearing an orange t-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the force.