A 12-year-old boy suffered a concussion in a reported sectarian attack in Derry City, police say.
The boy was approached by a group of four youths - three males and a female - before he was assaulted.
The attack was halted following the intervention of a member of the public.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: "Police received a report that a 12-year-old boy had been assaulted in the vicinity of the City Walls in The Fountain on Monday afternoon, 29th May at around 1.10pm.
"It's reported three males, and one female - all believed to be of young teenage age - approached the boy. One of these males assaulted the victim, kicking him on the leg and punching him on the face. A member of the public intervened by shouting and the three males and female ran off towards Bishop Street."
The spokesperson added: "The boy was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries, which included a concussion."
PSNI Inspector Michael Gahan said: "This was a nasty assault which has left the victim understandably distressed. This assault is being investigated as a sectarian hate crime and we encourage anyone who can assist with our enquiries to get in touch with us by calling 101, and quoting reference number 1061 of 29/05/23."
Inspector Gahan added: “You can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55"
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