A sickening 'gang' attack on a 14-year-old boy in East Kilbride shopping centre has gone viral.
The shocking footage circulating online shows the youngster being punched on the head before being dragged to the ground as two teenage boys rain blows on him, kicking and stamping on his head and body as he cowers on the floor of the Princes Mall.
The assailants can be heard shouting and swearing at the victim during the vicious unprovoked attack which took place on Sunday night.
Centre management told Lanarkshire Live their security was alerted to the incident through control room CCTV and police were immediately called.
It is understood the attackers, one wearing a blue jacket and dark trousers and the other wearing a grey hooded zipper and dark trousers, fled the scene before officers arrived.
Police say enquiries are ongoing in the hunt to catch the suspects.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the incident could be linked to youth disorder in Uddingston last week.
Around 10 patrol cars were seen racing to the Lanarkshire town following reports of dozens of masked youths running riot in the street carrying baseball bats and wearing balaclavas.
A worried local parent, who did not wish to be named, said: "I think people should be made aware of this violent random attack to keep their kids safe.
"Apparently a dangerous gang named 'The Village' travelled to East Kilbride from Baillieston, Glasgow.
"It's shocking this is happening inside the centre. I have a teenage girl and this terrifies me."
A spokesperson for EK, East Kilbride, told us: "The centre's control room was alerted to the incident through CCTV and immediately contacted the police and dispatched a security team.
"Security personnel were on the scene quickly and are now working with the police as they continue their investigations."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 8.40pm on Sunday, February 12, police were called to the Churchill Avenue area of East Kilbride following a report of a 14-year-old boy being assaulted.
"Ambulance was not required and enquiries into the incident are ongoing."
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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