A 10-year-old boy was attacked by four men as he cycled in a park.

The youngster was grabbed by the throat, dragged from his bike and was kicked in the ribs as he lay on the floor.

His attackers then stole his BMX bike.

The boy later received treatment at Airedale Hospital for a double fracture to his right wrist.

Now the child's shocked father -- whose name we are withholding to protect the identity of his son -- is warning others to be on their guard.

And he is backing police appeals for witnesses to the incident, which happened at Lund Park -- close to an entrance in Mannville Road -- at about 8pm, last Thursday.

He said: "I find it appalling that a young boy cannot simply go into a park and play in safety.

"To be assaulted by four men for his bike is shocking. After he was attacked he ran home and then just collapsed in tears. He had an injured wrist and a red mark around his neck where he had been grabbed.

"Fortunately, children at that age are quite resilient and apart from his physical injuries he is now very much back to normal, but he was very shaken up by what happened and is not confident about going back into the park.

"We have been helping the police in any way we can to find those responsible, and I fully support their plea for anyone with information to come forward. I am also keen to warn other people to be wary."

His son had gone to the park with a friend, but was left alone temporarily when his companion went home for tea.

Four men who were sat at the park gates shouted him over.

The youngster cycled away but two of the men gave chase and the attack took place. The BMX bike was recovered later that evening in the Showfield area of Keighley.

Police say the suspects are all of Asian appearance and aged 18-21.

One is described as 5ft 10in tall, skinny, with black hair spiked in the middle. He was wearing a blue and silver tracksuit top.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to contact Keighley police on 01535 617059.