Man hits boy, 9, to the head in Perth park

A nine-year-old boy playing in a Perth park was hit in the head by a middle-aged man who then ran away.

The boy and his brother were at the Barry Britton Reserve on Balga Avenue, Balga, about 3.30pm on Monday when they were approached by the stranger.

As the boys walked away, the man grabbed the nine-year-old by the arm and struck him to the side of his head, police say.

The boy screamed and his attacker ran away.

Police are searching for a fair-skinned man aged in his 50s, with a medium to solid build, about 180cm tall with medium-length grey or brown hair, and an unshaven face.

He has an Australian accent and was wearing a dark jacket and black rectangular sunglasses at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.