CCTV has been released that shows a man assaulting a victim, in front of a child.
As a 59-year-old man goes to withdraw money from a cash machine, he is knocked out by a single punch before his assailant flees the scene, child in tow.
The attack occurred at a Co-Operative store in Paignton, Devon and the young boy is believed to be around 12-years-old.
The victim sustained facial and head injuries, which required hospital treatment.
Devon and Cornwall Police released footage of the attack, having been filmed on 29th September at 8.45pm.
"This is a particularly shocking unprovoked attack," a police spokesperson said. "Especially as it appears that the attacker is with a child at the time.
"There were a number of people in the area at the time who may have witnessed this unprovoked attack and who could help us identify the attacker. Also we would very much like to speak to the men who came to the victim’s aid following the attack – one has been in contact but the other has yet to come forward."
The suspect is described as a white male, around 6ft 1in tall, wearing a dark t-shirt and of stocky build.
The child was wearing a long sleeved red top.
