A 12 year old boy was attacked by a woman near a school playground yesterday (Wednesday).

He was playing with friends around the outer fencing of Cronk y Berry School when she approached them, grabbed the boy and pushed him against the fence. Police say she put both her hands around his neck, threatened him verbally and pulled his hair. The boy managed to break free and ran away and the woman is thought to have left in the direction of Berry Woods Avenue.

Police say the woman, described as being blonde haired, aged between 30 and 40 and wearing a grey tracksuit, was not known to the boy.

Constable Amy Brew said: 'For an adult to assault a child of any age is completely unacceptable. Grabbing anyone around the neck no matter what their age can have serious consequences.'

The assault occurred at about 6.30pm. Anyone who saw anything or who has information is being urged to contact police.