The attack happened in the Westminster Way underpass, Botley, when the girl, a pupil at nearby Matthew Arnold School, was walking home.

The man, who is white and in his 30s, was wearing dark clothing and a woollen hat. He made a grab for the girl but she ran off.

Shocked but unharmed, she was back in class yesterday where 800 pupils at the school in Arnolds Way were warned to be on their guard.

Pupils were told in assembly: "Please be vigilant on your way home and try and walk with at least one other person if you live in the area."

Pupils at primary schools in Botley, North Hinksey, West Oxford and Cumnor were also warned as part of an early warning system to tackle suspicious characters.

Senior teacher at Matthew Arnold Steve Broome said: "Thankfully the girl was not seriously hurt but our concern is that next time it might be more serious."

Police would like to hear from anyone who thinks they have seen the suspect to call them on: 01235 776000.

Story date: Saturday 08 May

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