12-Year-Old Boy's T-Shirt Set Ablaze By 2 Men Pretending To Show Him Magic Trick

A 12-year-old boy in the U.K. was hospitalized after two men set his t-shirt on fire on the pretext of showing a magic trick.

The incident took place on Nov. 1 between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. local time when the victim was at a park in the town of Blackpool with a friend, iTV reported.

The suspects approached the boy and asked him if he wanted to see a magic trick, to which the latter responded affirmatively. The two men then set his t-shirt alight with a cigarette lighter and fled the spot.

The young boy suffered significant burns to his torso and was taken to a hospital by a passer-by, who stopped to help.

The police are on the lookout for the two suspects. One of the culprits was described as a tall man, who was wearing a black hoodie, a black mask, black trousers with pockets on the legs and black leather gloves. The second offender was described as shorter in height than the first, also clad in a black hoodie, black joggers and fingerless gloves, according to Daily Star.

Lancashire Constabulary police told the outlet the two men were covering the victim's eyes with their hands, while setting his t-shirt afire.

Detective Inspector Kirsty Wyatt of Blackpool called the assault horrific, and urged people in the area to come forward if they have any information about the suspects.

"This was a horrific assault on a young boy and he has suffered some really significant burn injuries which will need ongoing hospital treatment," Wyatt was quoted by Blackpool Gazette, as saying.

"I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at around the time of the attack to come forward and speak to us. We will have extra patrols in the area over the coming days and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to an officer."