DETECTIVES are investigating reports a boy was sexually assaulted in Blackburn.

The 13-year-old was walking along Aqueduct Road, towards the mini roundabout at the junction with Hollin Bridge Street, when he was reportedly grabbed by a man, who pulled him onto a path just off the roundabout which leads to the canal.

The youngster told police he was touched by the man on his groin over his clothes.

When the boy told the man to get off, he ran off. The man was wearing a black hooded top.

Detective Sergeant Ian Procter said: “At the time of the incident a woman is believed to have walked past the pathway and it is possible she may have heard or seen something.

“I would appeal to her directly to come forward as she may have information which could help.”

Police said the incident happened around 6pm on Tuesday, January 28.

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.