POLICE say they are investigating whether two group attacks in Earlestown on youths are linked.

The Star reported last month after a boy was injured in an "unprovoked" assault on the evening of Monday evening, December 20, 2021.

At around 6.45pm officers were called to a report of the assault in St John Street.

It was reported the victim was assaulted by group of teenage boys on St John Street who then left the scene on foot towards Wilko's on the corner of Market Street.

Police said the boy suffered an injury to his face.

After the incident, Detective Inspector Jackie Guinness said: “This was an unprovoked attack which could have left a teenage boy seriously injured."

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Meanwhile, police have confirmed that officers received a report of an assault on a different boy on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 on Market Square.

Police say an 11-year-old victim was reported to have been assaulted by a boy who was "with a group of friends".

A spokeswoman said the victim "suffered no visible injuries but was left shocked and distressed".

She added it is believed the offenders were "from the same school" and it is understood police are liaising with the school to provide advice and support.

The police spokeswoman added they are investigating whether both attacks were carried out by the same offenders.

She said they "are investigating the potential links between the two incidents".

Anyone with information about the first assault is asked to DM @MerPolCC on Twitter, call 101, quoting reference 21000878411. People can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.