A boy suffered burns after 'trick or treat' thugs attacked him on his doorstep.

The 12-year-old was confronted at his home on the Tithe Farm estate in south Abingdon by three masked youths aged 15 or 16.

One of them lit an aerosol and aimed the flame at the youngster, causing minor burns to his left arm.

Now police have appealed for witnesses following the nasty Hallowe'en prank, which took place on Tuesday at around 5.30pm. Pc Dave Muddiman, of Abingdon police, said: "This had the potential to turn into a very serious incident, and we are anxious to hear from anybody who might have information, or who was in the area between 5.30 and 5.45pm."

Witnesses should call Pc Muddiman on 01235 556857 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 with any information about the attack on the boy.