Police are investigating a report that an 11-year-old boy was attacked as he walked home on Sunday afternoon.
It reportedly happened in the Oldpark Road area of Belfast at 3.30pm.
Police said the boy was followed by six to seven youths, before one directed sectarian abuse at him and kicked him in the face.
The rest of the group are then understood to have started attacking the boy, resulting in him suffering a leg injury.
The first attacker is described as having dark black hair with a long fringe, and was wearing black trainers.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them, and are particularly keen to speak with a woman who drove past the assault and stopped to provide assistance to the victim before taking him home.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police in North Belfast are appealing for witnesses after an 11-year-old boy was assaulted as he walked home on Sunday afternoon.
"The victim was walking in the Oldpark Road area at around 3.30pm, when he was followed by a group of 6-7 youths, one of whom directed sectarian abuse at him, before setting upon him, and kicking him in the face.
"The assailant is described as having dark black hair with a long fringe, and was wearing black trainers.
"The other youths then joined in the attack, resulting in the victim sustaining a leg injury.
"Police are particularly keen to hear from a female who drove past the assault when it was taking place, and stopped to give assistance before putting the injured party into her car and taking him home.
"Anyone who witnessed this assault, or who has information that could assist police with their enquiries, is asked to contact detectives at Tennent Street, or via the non-emergency number 101, quoting the reference number 2021022801409, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."
