Merseyside police are investigating whether two group attacks on school children are linked.
On Monday, December 20, a boy suffered an injury to his face after an 'unprovoked' attack by a group of teenagers in Earlestown, St Helens.
Police attended after the assault happened at around 6.45pm, on St John Street.
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The suspects made off from the scene on foot towards Wilko's on the corner of Market Street.
At the time, Detective Inspector Jackie Guinness said: "This was an unprovoked attack which could have left a teenage boy seriously injured.
"The incident happened at a busy time of the day near other stores where people would have been shopping. If you were on St John Street at the time of the assault and have any dashcam or CCTV footage, we would also like to hear from you as soon as possible."
Most recently, on January 5, an 11-year-old was reportedly attacked a school boy with a group of friends at Market Square, in Earlestown.
The victim suffered no visible injuries but was left 'shocked and distressed.'
Officers believe the victim and the suspect are from the same school and police say they are liaising with the school to offer support.
Now a police spokesperson has confirmed the force is investigating whether both attack were carried out by the same offenders.
They are investigating any potential links between the two incidents and have asked anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information about the first assault is asked to DM @MerPolCC on Twitter, call 101, quoting reference 21000878411.
People can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
