The mother of a 10-year-old boy has spoken out about her son's ordeal after he was sexually assaulted in an alleyway on an Oxford estate.

The woman, who wants to remain anonymous to protect his identity, said her boy is so upset he has not been able to go to school.

"It has been a nightmare for the whole family," she said.

"We want the other kids to understand what happened so he is not bullied. We are also worried this man may get another little boy who doesn't have the knowledge about what to do."

The youngster was walking on the Barton estate on Tuesday (Apr 26) at about 4.30pm when a middle-aged man surprised him.

Police have not given details of the assault, but it is understood that the man approached the boy from behind and touched him inappropriately.

The youngster managed to break free and run home, but the attack has sparked fears for the safety of other young children on the estate.

The boy's mother praised her son for the way he handled the attack.

She said: "He went to post a letter for me. He was playing with his phone and did not hear the man approach. The man grabbed him but he was brave. He screamed and said he'll call the police then escaped and ran away.

"He came running to the house and was really upset. He could hardly speak as he had run so hard, and was saying call the police. He was really shaken. I was appalled.

"He wrote down a description of the man before the police arrived. We told the school so they could warn other parents, as my son didn't want it to happen to other children. He is caring like that."

She added: "I had spoken to all my children and they know what to do in these situations. He has not been too good since and we took him to a safari park yesterday to try and distract him. He feels embarrassed and ashamed. But all the neighbours have been great and are supportive."

The alley where the attack took place is about 50 yards long and connects Aldbarton Road to Barton Village Road on the Barton estate.

PC Phillip Gardener, based at St Aldates police station, said: "The man was white, around 6ft, middle-aged, slim to medium build with greyish brown short hair and was unshaven.

"He had blue eyes and was wearing a dark coloured zipper jacket. Anyone who recognises this description should call police immediately."

Local schools have been told about the attack, and people are being warned to take particular care.

One local resident Nikki Brockall, 19, said: "Everyone is talking about it. Mothers around here are quite worried and nearly everyone is walking their kids to school. Luckily my son Kane is three and too young to play out by himself."

Simon Leigh, 39, who lives next to the alley in Aldbarton Drive, said: "The first I heard about it was when a neighbour brought my son back home.

"Now he is barred from going in the alley and has to play where we can see him. We even leave the front door open to be sure.

"We have told him to kick, run and scream as loud as he can if anyone approaches him."

Anyone with information should call PC Gardiner at St Aldates police station, via 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.