Police hunt after Sabden sex attack on girl (14)

The girl was walking along Padiham Road at 7-30 a.m. when she was grabbed by a man who pushed her down an alleyway. He put his hand over her mouth and tried to take down her trousers but the girl was able to push him away and the man ran off up Padiham Road towards the junction with Simonstone Road. Officers are appealing for information and are urging people to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Jill Johnston said: “This was an absolutely terrifying ordeal for this young girl and it is absolutely crucial that we find the person responsible as soon as possible.

“I’d would like to reassure people that we have stepped up patrols in the area and have a dedicated team of officers working hard to catch the man responsible. We have specially trained officers supporting the girl and we would urge anyone who has any information at all to come forward.”

The man has been described as wearing trainers, dark coloured jogging pants and a dark coloured hooded top and brown gloves. He had a deep voice with a local accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log number LC-20130211-0172, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org.