A 15-year-old boy was scratched in a bizarre 'claw' attack as he walked to school.

The attack happened in an alleyway in Quedgeley off Church Drive at around 7.55am on Tuesday, September 20.

The boy, a pupil at Severn Vale school, reported that he was walking towards School Lane when he turned around and saw a man lash out with his hand and use an unknown implement to inflict five scratch marks on his right cheek.

The offender lashed out again and scratched the boy’s forearm before the boy managed to run away.

The offender is described as white, between 50 and 60 years old, 6ft to 6ft 4ins tall and with grey hair.

Patrols are being increased in the area as a result of the incident and police are urging anyone with information to call the new non-emergency number 101, quoting incident 161 of September 20.

Severn Vale School headteacher Peter Rowland said: “I was shocked to hear his report, and was happy to liaise closely and quickly with the local police and repeat the warnings about stranger danger we regularly give our students. It’s a highly unusual situation which we must take most seriously.”

Alternatively, you can also give information anonymously on 0800 555 111