Vancouver police say a teenage skater was allegedly assaulted on a Hastings Street bus on Saturday night (January 24).

"Around 9:30 p.m., a 17-year-old boy was standing at the rear doors of an eastbound Hastings Street bus with his backpack and skateboard. When the bus stopped at Renfrew Street, the youth was allegedly pulled from the bus by a much larger man who began punching him in the face. The youth was knocked to the ground and the suspect threatened him," reads a news release issued today (January 26) by police.

"The man took the victim’s backpack and skateboard and told him to leave the area. The boy left and returned a short time later to find the suspect still at the bus stop. Concerned for his safety, he again left the area and called his mother, who in turn called the police."

Police are now looking for witnesses to the incident. Those with information are being asked to call police at 604-717-3321 or Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

According to police, the youth was treated in hospital for bruises and a cut to his face.

The suspect is described as "white, 40-years-old, 6 feet tall and about 220 pounds" and "wearing a black baseball cap, a black leather jacket, blue jeans and black Adidas runners".