POLICE have launched an urgent investigation to identify a group of teenagers who ‘violently attacked’ a 14-year-old boy in Dearne Valley.

On Saturday at around 4.40pm, the teen was approached by a group of young men in Dearne Valley Country Park who attacked him and kicked him in the face.

Barnsley police officers have spoken to a 15-year-old girl who attended a police station voluntarily in relation to the assault.

Superintendent Cherie Buttle said: “We are investigating what was a violent attack on a vulnerable young man in a very public space.

“We are aware that footage of this incident is being circulated on social media and I would like to reassure members of the local community and wider public that we are taking steps to identify those responsible.

“I’d like to appeal for anyone who saw what happened, or who has any information that might help our enquiries to please come forward.

“It might seem difficult to speak to us, but I’d encourage you to make contact you can call 101 or submit an online report, please quote reference number 688 of February 6.”