POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a group of school children alledgedly hit and racially abused a teenager.

The children approached the 16-year-old boy who was walking in May Street, Nelson.

The group, all approximately 15-16 years of age, shouted racial abuse at the man at 3.30pm on June 19.

The teenager was grabbed as he tried to walk away and punched to the head. He suffered a bloodied nose and bruising. Police said the matter was being treated as a racially motivated offence.

Sgt Keith Beckley said: "A group of schoolchildren approached the victim who was walking in the street and shouted racially aggravated verbal abuse.

"He tried to walk away and one of the group grabbed him and held onto him.He was hit in the head a number of times.

"It is being investigated as a racially motivated offence and we appeal for witnesses to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact the police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.