Police are hunting a group of children who tied a seven-year-old boy to a tree with a rope.
Bradley McLachlan had the rope wrapped around his body, including his neck, during the incident at Bransbury Park, Portsmouth, Hampshire, at about midday on July 28.
It is understood that three boys, all around the same age, were involved in the incident which police are treating as an assault.
The youngster was able to free himself and was taken home by another boy.
He was checked over at hospital but was able to return to play that afternoon.
His mother Charleen, 30, from Portsmouth, told The Portsmouth News: "I feel sick and shocked someone could do this, not least other children. This wasn't just a game that went wrong, it's far more serious. I can't get my head around it. There were marks under his chin and they went right up around the back of his head."
Detective Sergeant Fiona Holland, of Hampshire police, said: "I am appealing for anyone with any information about this incident to come forward.
"We are still investigating the circumstances of the incident. We need to speak to the children involved to ensure they understand the possible consequences of the incident and ensure whilst they are out playing during the summer holidays they are also staying safe.
"The boys were unknown to the victim and we would like to appeal for information to help us identify these children.
"We would also like to speak to the boy who helped the victim from the tree. This boy had no involvement in the incident, but may have seen something that could assist the inquiry."
