A TEENAGER who allegedly kicked a war veteran in the back has been issued with a conditional caution.

The Star reported on a front page a few weeks ago that a 14-year-old boy, from St Helens, had been arrested on suspicion of common assault.

The incident happened on the evening of February 19 when a 94-year-old man challenged a group of teenagers gathered near benches in Church Square after they had been involved in an altercation with a woman in her 60s.

Following an exchange of words, a teenager allegedly headed after the veteran and kicked him in the back.

The elderly man, who is a Second World War veteran, was left shaken but was not seriously injured.

The story sparked a strong reaction from Star readers on social media and drew the issue of youngsters hanging around Church Square back into debate.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police confirmed that the teenager had not been charged and following discussions with the Youth Offenders Service had been issued with the caution.