A 12-year-old boy has experienced "serious injuries" after a sadistic " magic trick" saw a man set fire to his T-shirt.
The victim was with a friend in Bancroft Park, Blackpool, when he was approached by two older men.
They asked whether the youngster would like to watch a magic trick, reports The Daily Star.
They then pulled out a cigarette lighter and set the boy's shirt on fire.
Police have asked for any witnesses to the crime to come forward.
The boy experienced considerable burns to his torso in the incident off Seasiders Way in Blackpool last night.
The unnamed youngster was taken to hospital and treated for significant burns after a passer-by stopped to help him.
Two suspects are wanted in connection with the horrifying attack, with one described as tall and wearing a black hoody with the hood pulled up, a black mask, black trousers with pockets on the legs and black leather gloves.
A second man was described as smaller than the first, but also wearing a black hoody with the hood up, black joggers and fingerless gloves.
It was reported by Lancashire Constabulary that the smaller of the two men was covering his face with his hand.
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."
Anyone with information over the incident is asked to quote log 1344 of November 1 by calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
