A 14-year-old boy was attacked in a communal garden after becoming separated from his friends.

The boy was assaulted within at the rear of flats in the Greenfield area in the east end of Glasgow at around 8.30pm on Monday.

He was with friends but became separated prior to the attack in Cockenzie Street in the area. The victim was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he is receiving treatment for a spinal injury.

The suspect is described as a man aged around 18 or 19, white and spoke with a local accent. Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area and are gathering CCTV images.

Detective sergeant Shirley Carr said: "The motive for this attack is unknown. This is a largely residential area and it’s possible someone may have seen or heard something and didn’t realise a young boy had been attacked.

"I am appealing to local residents to get in touch with us and pass on any information they may have. You may think your information won’t be relevant but a minor detail could be enough to help us trace the man responsible for this attack."

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Shettleston Police Office on 101. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.