Officers are appealing for witnesses following a report of an assault on a 13-year-old boy in the Rosehill Drive area of the city.
The incident happened at around 6.25pm on Sunday near to the TSB Bank on Rosehill Drive.
The teenager, who had been in the company of other youths, received minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.
Police are looking to trace a man in connection with the incident who may be able to assist with inquiries.
He is understood to have been the passenger in a small silver car, possibly a Vauxhall Corsa or similar, with a registration which began with SV55. Both the man and the boy were seen to run across Rosehill Drive.
The man is described as being aged in his 30’s and around 5ft 11ins in height with a stocky build and with short dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing.
The car left in the direction of Rowan Road.
Enquiry officer PC Niall Sutherland said: “The boy has not been seriously injured however this has understandably been an upsetting incident.
“The area would have been busy with traffic and pedestrians at the time and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the vehicle to get in contact with us on 101 quoting reference number CF0016030119.”
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.