Posters displaying the face of a man wanted after he sexually assaulted a 10-year-old boy are to be put up around Oxford.

An E-fit of the man wanted in connection with the sexual assault of a 10-year-old boy

Police have teamed up with the Oxford Mail to produce the posters in a bid to track down the attacker who pounced on the boy in an 50 yard alleyway between Aldbarton Drive, and Barton Village Road, Barton, at 4.35pm on April 26.

It is understood that the boy screamed after being touched inappropriately and ran away.

The boy's 43-year-old mother said she welcomed the release of the poster and urged anyone with information to come forward.

She added: "We want this man to be arrested as soon as possible because we don't want anything to happen any other children.

"Our son was lucky - he screamed and told the man he would call the police on his mobile and then he managed to get away.

"But he doesn't really want to talk about what happened and has been offered counselling.

"He is still feeling a bit nervous but he is back at school and the staff have been very supportive.

"He wants to get back to normal and even asked to walk through the alleyway again with his dad waiting at the other end.

"He has a mobile phone and we are keeping an eye out for him but we have to let him loose because he is growing up.

"He doesn't like to be alone at the moment which is understandable but he should make a full recovery.

"Some of his friends are asking him about the incident and that has upset him but I have told him it is because they care.

"We have told him that if he can get over this he can beat any obstacle in life."

Dc Marc Tarbit, of Oxford CID, said: "I appeal to anyone who recognises this man to contact police immediately.

"The boy managed to run away from the man but has obviously been left very shaken and upset by the incident."

The attacker was described as a middle-aged man who was 6ft, of medium build, with greyish, brown short hair.

He was wearing a dark zip-up jacket.

Anyone with information that could assist police should call Dc Tarbit at St Aldates police station, via 08458 505505 or confidential hotline Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.