A MAN assaulted a young boy as he walked home from school.

The man, believed to be in his 60s, grabbed the 12-year-old boy by the throat and pinned him against a fence in Eastwood Road North, Leigh, on December 12.

The boy, who lives locally, was walking home at about 3.30pm when the man described as stocky, about 5ft 5 to 6in tall with grey hair and wearing blue jeans, approached him.

The boy was unharmed but badly shaken.

Police only released the information today.

Anyone with information should contact PC Nicola Saunders at the Rayleigh Area Investigation Team on 101.