A teenager was rushed to hospital following a savage attack by a dozen youths on Saturday night.

The boy, 14, was walking a dog on Erskinefauld Road near a Linwood school around 9pm when a gang of around 10 to 15 boys and girls carried out the violent and unprovoked attack.

He was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for treatment.

The youths, thought to be between 13 and 15 years of age were wearing dark clothing and one boy was armed with a baseball bat.

After seriously assaulting the teen they were last seen running off towards the direction of Clippens Road, Linwood.

The fate of the dog is unknown.

The force has launched a probe and is carrying out door-to-door enquiries and checking CCTV footage.

Detective Constable Claire Eaton of Paisley CID said: “This appears to be an unprovoked attack by a large group of youths.

"It is vital that we establish the full circumstances of what happened and trace those responsible.

“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area around 9pm on Saturday, December 2, who saw or heard anything suspicious.

"Similarly, anyone with private CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam of the area is urged to review the footage and bring anything of significance to our attention.”

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 3615 of December 2. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.