A SCHOOLBOY suffered a terrifying ordeal when he was dragged into bushes and stripped by a teenage attacker.

The eight-year-old boy was walking from school to his grandmother's home when he was attacked in daylight, just off a busy road.

Police said the child was unhurt, but was left deeply upset by the incident, which happened in Washington, Wearside, on Friday afternoon.

The youngster left Usworth Colliery Primary School at 3.30pm to walk alone to the Donwell area of the town.

He walked along Front Street, in Concord, and on to Blue House Lane when he became aware he was being followed by a youth, aged about 15.

The victim, described as slim with short, blond hair, was walking past the underpass leading from Parsons Industrial Estate when the attacker pounced.

He was approached from behind and dragged into bushes where his clothing, including his grey jumper and trousers, was forcibly removed.

He was left wearing only his black fleece when the attacker ran off.

Police said they did not believe at this stage that he was sexually assaulted.

The scene of the attack has been examined by forensic officers and the boy has been interviewed by police.

The attacker is described as having short, dark hair and a spotty complexion. He was wearing a blue jumper, with red around the neck, a red T-shirt and grey trousers and was carrying what appeared to be a school exercise book.

Officers said that the attack happened at a busy time of day and a large number of people are believed to have been in the area at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Washington CID on 0191-454 7555, extension 66445.