A 12-YEAR-OLD suffered a broken jaw when he was viciously attacked in a Southampton park.

The youngster was set upon by another youth in Riverside Park in what police are calling an “unprovoked attack” which knocked him unconscious.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital and has received surgery on his broken jaw. He is set to be discharged today.

It comes as police launch an urgent appeal for witnesses to contact them immediately.

The victim was playing football at 8pm last night when he was approached by an older boy who violently struck him.

His attacker is believed to be white, around 14 or 15-years-old, skinny, with a few spots and bushy or curly hazel-coloured hair, black framed glasses and spoke with a European accent.

He was wearing a black Cabrini jumper, black shorts and Adidas orange and black football boots with studs.

He was thought to be in the company of a group of four or five other boys – aged seven to ten, one of whom was ginger.

Police are also hunting an older man who was with them and may be able to help them with their investigations.

The man is described as white, about 40 years old, of stocky build and not much taller than the boys, with black curly hair and wearing a black Saints football jumper.

He is also described as speaking with a European accent.

Detective Constable Claire Ratcliffe said: “This young boy was playing with friends, like a lot children in the area do, when he was subjected to a unprovoked attack. We believe there were several witnesses to this incident and I am therefore appealing directly to them and the adult man described to come forward and make contact with us.

“Furthermore, if this is you described, please assist us with this investigation by making contact with us.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting reference 44160133027 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.