In the latest incident in Church Street, Padiham, a 46-year-old woman was driving her black Volkswagen Golf towards Burnley around midnight on Friday when she noticed she was being followed.

As she approached the roundabout at the junction with Whalley Road her car was shunted from behind by the other car, thought to be a dark-oloured BMW or Audi.

The people in the car behind waved and mouthed at her to stop and inspect the damage caused to both cars. She eventually pulled over further along the street, close to the Whalley Range pub, but as soon as she got out of the vehicle, one of the men got into the driver's seat and drove off, leaving her stranded.

Detectives in Burnley are investigating the incident, along with two others, which happened in Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, on December 23rd, and in Accrington on January 21st.

DC Melissa Chadwick said all three incidents were "exactly the same" and added: "If this happens again and any women are unsure they should contact police immediately and should not get out of their vehicle."

Police are hunting four Asian men in connection with the incident, although the latest victim said only two men got out of the car, and are appealing for witnesses to call DC Chadwick on 01282 472149