A TEENAGER was bashed in the face and had his phone stolen in a shock attack at Westfield Doncaster.

Doncaster police Sergeant Jodie Vickers said the 14-year-old Balwyn North boy was waiting in the carpark near Coles at 7.45pm on Monday night for his parents to pick him up when he was attacked.

He was approached by a boy in his late teens, of African appearance with distinctive red and brown braided hair, who accused the young boy of attacking his family.

The teenage boy told the thug he must have confused him with someone else.

The attacker then allegedly punched the boy on the right side of his face, stole his phone and escaped on a Templestowe-bound bus.

The boy and his dad reported the attack to the police and went to Box Hill hospital where the teen was treated for facial swelling and bruising.

Sgt Vickers said the attacker was African in appearance, 185cm tall, medium build and wearing a red hoodie, cream jacket and white sneakers.

Box Hill Embona Taskforce Detective Leading Senior Constable Ray Mitchell said they were still investigating and waiting for the victim to provide further details.

Any witnesses are encouraged to contact Box Hill Embona Taskforce on 8892 3360.