Two 12-year-old boys have suffered burn-type injuries after a substance was thrown at them.

The children were attacked in Granitehill Road in the Northfield area of Aberdeen at around 8pm on Wednesday.

Little Shane Flower and his friend Igor Wodecki were targeted by boys of a similar age who threw an unknown substance at them. 

The pair were left screaming in pain and suffered "significant injuries" after the chemical was splashed in their face and were taken to Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital for treatment.

Glasgow Times:

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

The area was cordoned off as officers examined the scene.

Investigations to identify the substance are also under way.

The incident took place near the Coral bookmaker outlet.

A horrific picture posted to Facebook by Shane's sister Gemma Floence shows the 12-year-old in severe pain with burn marks all over the right of his face, close to his eye. 

His family and police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the attack in the Northfield area of Aberdeen to come forward. 

Shane's sister, Gemma, 25, a retail assistant, said the incident has left the family devastated. 

She said: "I was at work when my mum phoned me in hysterics. She was really upset. 

"Shane had just left the house and, I think, was on his way to his friend Igor's house to play X-box. 

"Only two minutes later they came screaming in pain and running back into the house. 

"His friend was bleeding heavily and my mum initially thought they'd gotten into a fight with each other. But when they were yelling for help, she realised they'd been attacked. 

"Shane is in a horrible state as I think whatever they were hit with landed more onto him. His face is very swelled and his eyes are quite closed together. He's very sore. 

"He's very conscious about what people think of him so I think he is really worried that he might be scarred for life. He's a quiet boy who wouldn't hurt anyone. 

"It seems like a totally random attack. The people who did it came from behind the corner and they never got a proper look at who did it. 

"Shane is the youngest of four, the baby of the family so we're all quite protective of him. Mum is staying at his bedside for now. She's still in shock at the whole ordeal." 

Specialists from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have also been at the scene to help identify the substance and clear it away safely.

Officers want to trace and speak to two youths of a similar age to the victims who have been described as wearing dark clothing.

Detective Inspector Allen Shaw, who is leading the investigation, said: "This has been a shocking and despicable incident against two young boys who have obviously been left upset and shaken by what has happened to them.

"They have been left with significant injuries and were taken to the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital for treatment.

"Extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and we are working with our colleagues in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as part of our investigation.

"There will be a police presence in the area for some time, however the scene where this incident happened has been examined and I can assure the public it is safe.

"I would appeal for anyone with information about the incident, whether you were in the area at the time or know anything about it, to please get in touch.

"You can contact Police Scotland on 101, via the Police Scotland website or via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.

"I can assure the local community that all resources available to us will be used to trace those responsible. It won't be tolerated."