A DAILY Echo newsboy was left lying unconscious in an Eastleigh park for around 45 minutes after being attacked by a man who attempted to steal his bike.

It is believed the 15-year-old boy - police are not naming him - was attacked from behind as he made his way home through Fleming Park after completing his paper round between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday.

Police hunting the vicious assailant today appealed for anyone who saw the incident or who could help track down the person responsible to come forward.

After the assault the young victim was left lying unconscious on the ground before a member of the public found him and raised the alarm. Hampshire Ambulance Service was called to the scene and gave the youngster emergency first aid before taking him to Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital. Yesterday the young victim was still at the hospital where he had been admitted for observation and tests.

An Eastleigh CID spokesman said details of the incident were still unclear as detectives would not be able to interview the lad formally until he was released from hospital.

It was not known at this stage how he had been knocked out, but the spokeswoman did reveal that the attacker failed to take the bike with him after the incident.

She also appealed for anyone who could help police inquiries to contact CID at Eastleigh police station on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 immediately.

Southern Daily Echo sales manager Margaret Kerton confirmed the youngster was a Daily Echo home delivery boy.

She said: "We are absolutely horrified. We do everything to ensure the safety of our young delivery staff and when an event like this happens we are all extremely upset.

"We wish him all the best and hope that he gets well soon."