TWO boys were assaulted by a teenager wearing a balaclava in a Somerset town on Wednesday, February 7.

The children, aged eleven and 12, were walking home with two girls between 9pm and 9:30pm on Hitchin Lane in Shepton Mallet, before being subjected to an allegedly unprovoked assault.

One boy was pinned against 'a wall or pole' and banged his head, whilst the other suffered scratches and bruising - neither needed medical attention.

Police say the offender is described as being white and in his mid to late teens.

At the time of the attack, he was wearing dark clothing including a beanie, balaclava, padded jacket with a fur hood, black trainers and glasses.

He was with a second boy who walked away, also of white complexion and of a similar age with dark, curly hair.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said the force will be visiting local schools as part of their investigation into the incident.

"The neighbourhood policing team are aware of the incident and will be engaging with local schools," the spokesperson said.

"Anyone with information which could help the police investigation into this incident is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5224033769, especially if they have any dashcam or other footage of the area at the time.

"Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information."