A TEENAGER today told of his terrifying escape from the clutches of an attacker who tried to remove the boy's trousers in an Ipswich street.The 17-year-old was walking along Cauldwell Hall Road after visiting a friend when he was set upon by the man.

A TEENAGER today told of his escape from the clutches of an attacker who tried to undo the boy's trousers in an Ipswich street.

The 17-year-old was walking along Cauldwell Hall Road after visiting a friend when he was set upon by the man.

The boy said: "He grabbed me and started pushing me.

"He told me not to struggle and he was bigger than me."

The attack happened at about 11.05pm on Tuesday , when the man crossed the street and grabbed him.

Initially the man demanded money but the boy said he only had £3.

The victim said: "He said 'how much money have you got on you?'

"I said I only had £3 on me. He didn't reply.

"He was pushing me toward St Albans Road. In St Albans Road he pushed me against the fence and that's when he went for my fly.

"When I realised what he was doing I pushed him away and I started shouting."

The boy said he ran from his attacker but was grabbed and held again until his shouting finally unnerved the man and caused him to flee along Cauldwell Hall Road toward Felixstowe Road.

A subsequent search of the area failed to locate the man.

The boy's shocked family is now fearful he could strike again.

His father said: "If he has tried it once and he hasn't succeeded there's nothing to say he won't go out again and try to do it.

"If it had been a younger guy you just don't know what would have happened."

The boy, who escaped unharmed, added: "I got off quite lucky I think."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which they are treating as an attempted robbery.

The man is described as white and in his late 20s or early 30s. He was wearing a black coat, black trousers and a black woollen hat.

Anyone with information should call Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

N Have you been through a similar experience? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.