Police are appealing for witnesses after a 10-year-old boy was dragged into bushes and sexually assaulted in a quiet Belsize Park street.

Ham & High: Police are investigating a sexual assault on a boy, aged 10.Police are investigating a sexual assault on a boy, aged 10. (Image: Archant)

The 10-year-old was walking along Steele’s Road on his way to a local shop to top up the electric meter when he was grabbed by two men between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on June 11.

They dragged him into the bushes where they touched him inappropriately, said detectives.

A police spokesman said: “Fortunately the child screamed and the two men ran off. He could smell that the men had been drinking.”

The terrified youngster did not report the incident until midnight.

Detectives from the Sapphire Investigation Team have today been handing out leaflets in Belsize Park.

Although there are no detailed descriptions the attackers are described as white males.

Officer are appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened at Steele’s Road junction with Adelaide Road.

Jane Simpson, 72, of Steele’s Road said: “We received leaflets through our door. It is very upsetting and disturbing that such a thing should happen here in broad daylight.”

Anyone with information should contact the Sapphire Team on 020 8733 6545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111