POLICE are investigating an attack on a Sheffield schoolboy as he played in the snow with a pal.
Josh Ellis, aged nine, of Hillsborough, was playing on Watermeet Road, Malin Bridge, with a nine-year-old friend when a car pulled up alongside the pair and a man jumped out and beat the boys up.
The youngsters were taken to Sheffield Children’s Hospital with cuts and bruises and the attack was reported to South Yorkshire Police.
Josh’s mum, Amy Fairest, said: “Josh and his friend were playing out in the snow, just having fun like kids do, when a jeep-style vehicle pulled up and a man got out and just beat them up.
“He was wearing a scarf over his mouth and had his hood up and there were a group of others in the jeep, including a girl in a pink jacket.
“There was no provocation for it whatsoever, and even if there had been nobody has the right to beat up children.
“Whoever did this needs to know that we will not rest until they are tracked down and dealt with by the police - it is absolutely disgusting.”
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police are looking into an allegation of assault on two young boys in the Malin Bridge area of the city.
“It was reported that a passing motorist got out of his vehicle and assaulted them.
“It was reported that one of the boys was hit in the stomach and head, the other boy was hit in his ribs and face. Both boys were taken to hospital for a check up.
“Enquiries are ongoing, to locate the suspect who was believed to be wearing dark clothing and jeans and driving a red Suzuki type vehicle.
“Increased patrols will be carried out in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.
Anyone with information about the incident between 4.30pm and 5pm on Tuesday, January 22 should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident 767.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555111.