A 14-year-old girl has been sexually assaulted on a path used as a shortcut in Accrington.

The teenager was walking along a path between Lonsdale Street and Scaitcliffe Street, known locally as the ‘black path’, when she was approached from behind by a man.

He grabbed her arms and pushed her against a fence before subjecting her to a sexual assault.

The girl fought off the attacker and ran to the skate park in Eagle Street.

The attacker is described as Asian, around 40 years old, 6ft, of large build and wearing a black hooded top with white fur.

The incident happened on Sunday at 8.30pm, but police have only just released the details.

Detective Sergeant Paul Langley said: “This was an extremely traumatic assault carried out on a young, lone girl who was using the path as a shortcut into the town centre.

“These types of incidents are rare but I would urge the public to take sensible precautions whilst out after dark and stay within well-lit areas.”

Anybody with any information should contact Accrington CID on 01254 353742.