A teenager was battered after being ambushed by a 20-strong gang of youths in a park.

The 17-year-old victim was targeted on the afternoon of Thursday, December 29, as he walked near a primary school in Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire.

He walked past the group, who were standing next to a fence at Parkview Primary School in Halfway Public Park at around 2.30pm, and was pounced on by one of the youngsters.

The attacker headbutted his 17-year-old victim before kicking him and pushing him to the ground. The gang then joined the attack and the young man was repeatedly kicked as he lay on the ground.

Several members of the public approached the victim to offer their help and help him get home. The teenager suffered injuries to his face and nose.

A statement from Police Scotland said: "PC Gareth Laird at East Kilbride Police Office is appealing for anyone who observed this incident, particularly those who assisted the victim, to contact him on 101.

"Alternatively, if you have any information in relation to those involved in this incident, you can provide this anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."