SHOCKED residents have vented their anger and disbelief after a young autistic boy was urinated on in a Banbury park.

The 17-year-old victim, who has not been named, was on his scooter in Hill View Park, Banbury, when three younger boys threw food and drink at him and one urinated on him.

Police said that the incident had left the teenager feeling 'very distressed' and that they are treating the incident 'extremely seriously'.

Parents of other autistic children reacted to the news with shock and fear that similar things could happen to their own children.

Rebecca Helen Eldridge took to Facebook to say: "This is why I'm so scared as a mother to two autistic boys, when I'm not with them who will step up for them if this sort of thing happens?

"I know they need to spread their wings and be independent I just hope that someone is kind enough to help them if they needed it."

In another comment, Natalie Beechey said that it would be particularly difficult for an autistic child to make sense of what had happened.

She added: "It's also heart-breaking for the parents. I know this as I have been through similar with my son. It makes me so angry."

The three attackers are believed to be between 13 and 16.

They approached the victim and started insulting him before throwing food and a can of drink, which hit him on the head, police said.

One of the boys then climbed on a climbing frame above him and deliberately urinated on his scooter and on his leg.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, which happened on Saturday August 26 between midday and 3pm, to come forward with information which may help them find the three suspects.

The first boy, who urinated on the victim, is the tallest of the three, has short hair, and was wearing a green top and brown trousers.

The second has short blond hair, was wearing glasses and three-quarter length Batman trousers and a top which had an outline of a face on it.

The third suspect was wearing a white top and three-quarter length blue trousers.

Investigating officer PC Sean Allwood, based at Banbury police station, said: “Although the victim was unhurt, this incident was very distressing for him and is being treated extremely seriously.

"I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who recognises the description of the offenders."

Alongside an outpouring of anger at the attack, messages of support towards the teenager have been made to the Banbury Cake.

Clair Lou Moss said that "Living with autism is an everyday battle and this will just add to the child's daily struggle. Sending good thoughts to you young man."