A teenager has been left with facial injuries after he was jumped by four men.
The 15-year-old was attacked by the thugs who pulled up alongside him in a car before speeding off when challenged by passers by.
The horrifying incident happened in the Ferniegair area of Hamilton around 7.30pm on Friday night.
Now police have launched an investigation into the assault which happened on the footpath next to the grass playing field off Carlisle Road.
A police source said the boy was walking when a a grey or possibly light green estate car stopped and the four men got out - they approached the boy and assaulted him, causing facial injuries.
PC Scott Pender of Hamilton Police Station told Lanarkshire Live : “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we would urge anyone who may have been in the area to come forward.
“We would be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage of the area.”
One of the men is described as being white, around 18-19-years-old, around 5ft 10in tall and of muscular build.
He is said to have brown hair cut short at the sides and longer on the top, and was wearing a bright blue hooded top and black shorts.
Another of the men is described as being 20-21-years-old with a shaved head.
The four men got back in the car and drove off in the direction of Larkhall after passing drivers stopped and intervened.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101.
Information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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