A WITNESS appeal has been launched after a 10-year-old girl was attacked by a young gang that tried to burn her coat in a Wirral park.

The girl had been with a female friend in New Ferry park on Sunday at around 1.15pm when it is reported she was assaulted by a gang of males and females aged around 12-13.

It is also believed one of the group tried to unsuccessfully burn the girl's coat.

Both girls also had a drink thrown over them.

The 10-year-old girl suffered grazing and reddening to her face during the incident.

An investigation is underway and CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Darren Taylor said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack and was a horrible incident for the young girl and her friend to endure.

"We are carrying out enquiries in the local area and I would ask anyone who was in the park or the surrounding area who saw anybody or anything suspicious to contact us.

"This type of behaviour is in no way acceptable and I would ask parents of children living in the local area to speak to them and ask if they have any knowledge of the incident or those responsible so that we can take action.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 21000246347.