A $500 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction of people responsible for an assault reported in the Belle Grove Square area of Westminster on Christmas eve.

City of Westminster police report that on Dec. 24 at about 6:45 p.m., a man was assaulted by a group of five young black males as he walked through Belle Grove Square at West Green and Bond Street in Westminster.

According to a police report released today, "The victim suffered several small scratches on his stomach during the assault" after he "was knocked to the ground and held down by members of the group.

"During the assault one of the suspects cut the victim lightly on the stomach with a box cutter or similar implement," police said.

The victim did not require treatment, according to police.

Police said investigators believe the suspects were familiar with the victim, and it is not believed that this was a random assault.

Westminster police are requesting that anyone who may have information relating to this investigation contact the Westminster police at 410-848-4646, Det. Eric Immler of the Westminster Police Department at 410-848-3918, or the Westminster Police Department TIPS Line at 410-848-8477.