City police chief Fadil Marsus said a preliminary investigation found that the incident occurred after the trio accused the boy of stealing a power bank belonging to one of their friends.

“The investigation led to the arrest of the three men, aged between 49 and 61. The first suspect was nabbed in Kelantan yesterday, and the remaining two were arrested today in Kuala Lumpur.

“The investigation is ongoing,” he said in a statement.

Fadil said the boy received treatment at Hospital Kuala Lumpur for injuries to his forehead and mouth.

The case is being investigated for voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation.

A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, showed three men surrounding and questioning the victim, who was seated on the pavement, before one of the men kicked him in the face.