A 13-year-old boy was punched in the face whilst buying cinema tickets in Milton Keynes.

The young boy was approached by a man and a woman outside Cineworld Cinema in the Xscapeon on August 13 at around 4.20pm.

He sustained bruising and reddening with the man also stealing the child's mobile phone.

Police describe the attacker as a large white man, aged between 16 and 20 years-old who was wearing a tracksuit and carrying a bag across his body.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Siobhan Jones, based at Milton Keynes police station, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have seen this incident, or who may have information about what happened to please come forward.

“I am particularly keen to speak to the member of the public who helped the victim by standing in between them and the offender to come forward.

“If this was you or you have information, please contact police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43210362990.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”