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A 12-year-old boy has been left with significant burns after being stopped by two men in a park who set him on fire after asking: “Do you want to see a magic trick?”. The two hooded men set fire to his t-shirt using a cigarette lighter. The young school child was with a friend in Bancroft Park in Blackpool when he was approached by the thugs – with one of them wearing mask.
A passer-by stopped to help and took the boy, who suffered burns across his torso, to a hospital.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the assault that happened between 8-9pm on Tuesday night.
The first suspect is described as tall, wearing a black hoody with the hood pulled up, a black mask, black trousers with pockets on the legs and black leather gloves.
The second offender is described as smaller, also wearing a black hoody with the hood up, black joggers, fingerless gloves.
Detective Inspector Kirsty Wyatt, of Blackpool CID, said: “This was a horrific assault on a young boy and he has suffered some really significant burn injuries which will need on-going hospital treatment.
“I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at around the time of the attack to come forward and speak to us.
“We will have extra patrols in the area over the coming days and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to an officer.”
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The exact condition of the boy is unknown but he was said to have suffered “significant burns” that will require ongoing hospital treatment.
The two men were not known to the victim and police are launching a search for them.
Police are increasing patrols in the area after residents shared their outrage at the incident.
Anyone with information can also call 101 quoting log 1344 of November 1st. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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