POLICE are appealing for information after three youths - two wearing balaclavas - punched a 10-year-old boy and knocked him to the ground in Hexham.

The youngster was assaulted as he was walking along Greenbank, in the east end of the town, at 8.30am on Friday, October 2.

Although shocked, the boy was not seriously injured, and officers are keen to trace the trio responsible.

The first male youth was wearing a Queen Elizabeth High School jumper and a balaclava; the second was wearing grey tracksuit shorts and carrying a red and black striped rucksack, and the third was wearing blue jeans, a blue hoody, a black Apple watch and a balaclava.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Lindsey Crooks on 101 ext 69191.