POLICE are still hunting the teenager who stripped a six-year-old boy naked in a sinister attack which has sparked fresh fears about child safety.

Detectives have described as 'bizarre' the incident in which the unnamed boy was undressed in allotments near his home in Low Westwood, near Medomsley.

The terrified boy's mother told of her horror and warned others to be vigilant.

Her son was so traumatised by his ordeal that he locked himself in the bathroom and wrapped a blanket around himself before sobbing himself to sleep in his mum's arms.

She said: "You think your child is safe playing outside the house in the allotment.

"He has hens, ducks, rabbits and a guinea pig there, it is idyllic but then this happens. You just don't expect it.

"The teenager stripped my son of his clothes. He said nothing throughout but just smiled, which revealed a gold brace on his teeth.

"My son was terrified. He let him take his clothes off because he was frightened in case he was going to hurt him.

"The teenager didn't do anything sexual. My son said he just undressed him.

"Luckily the teenager was disturbed and ran off but my worry is that he is out there and could try it again with someone else. I want others to know of what he did and warn other parents to keep an eye on their children."

The teenager is thought to be aged about 14, and police hope his distinctive gold brace could help in their hunt.

Det Con Ian Snowden, of Consett CID, said: "There can't be many kids running around with a gold brace although there are plenty of silver ones. We have spoken to a dentist who has said they are very expensive and they are very rare because of the cost.''

The incident happened between 4.30 and 5.30pm last Thursday.

Det Con Snowden said: "We need to find out who this teenager is because we need to know what his motive is."

The teenager police are hunting is described as being 5ft 4ins, slim, with short mousy hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts.

Anyone with information should call Consett police station on (01207) 504204. People can also Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555111.