A GANG apologised after its ringleader struck a young boy fishing at a reservoir.

The 12-year-old victim was with friends at the reservoir off Marsden Lane in Marsden at 4.30pm on Thursday.

The group walked up and the troublemaker threw some fishing gear in the water and tried to pick a fight.

When the youngster said they wanted no trouble, he was hit in the face.

He suffered injuries to his nose and lip and a front tooth was cracked.

The attacker ran off, but his friends apologised for his behaviour.

Sgt Tim O'Sullivan, of Huddersfield police, said: "The other youngsters were obviously shocked by the attacker's behaviour. We would appeal for them to tell us his name."

The thug is white, about 15 and 5ft 4in tall, with short blond hair. He wore dark tracksuit bottoms and a dark T-shirt.

Phone Pc Nicky Wood on 01484 436876.