A DEVASTATED mother has spoken of her horror after her seven-year-old daughter was subjected to a terrifying sexual assault. She said that her daughter is still "suffering from nightmares" after the middle-aged man pounced on the schoolgirl near to an alleyway as she walked home with her five-year-old sister. Police cordoned off the area in Cross Road, Castlefield, High Wycombe, after the attack last Wednesday at about 6.45pm. The mother of the child, who cannot be named to protect her identity, is still suffering from shock after her child was brought back by a teenager who had spotted the young girl struggling and bravely intervened. She said: "My daughter was crying when she came home and was so scared she was shaking. She is just seven years old and doesn't understand. She keeps asking me 'Why did this bad man do this to me?'." The girl's mother said she wanted to say thank you to the teenage boy who stepped in before the attacker sped off in a dark coloured car. She added: "I would like to thank the boy who saved my daughter but our family would just like to try get on with our lives now. "I just feel lost at the moment." Detective Constable Phil Wenman, of High Wycombe CID, said: "It was fortunate the boy came along when he did and prevented the attack being more serious. He certainly deserves great praise for his actions." He added: "Fortunately incidents like this are rare but I would remind parents to be extremely vigilant where their children are concerned until this man is apprehended." Wycombe district councillor Nigel Vickery (Lab, Booker and Castlefield), said: "My first thoughts have been with the child and the parents and the devastation they must be feeling. "Parents should not have to spend their lives looking over our shoulders." The man who attacked the young girl was described as white, about 5ft 6in tall and aged between 50 and 60. He is of medium to large build with a round face and short dark hair, possibly with a beard, and was wearing a dark woollen hat. If you have any information call High Wycombe CID on (01494) 465888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.By.Syreeta Lund