Sabden sex attack witness urged to come forward

The girl was walking along Padiham Road in Sabden around 7-30am on Monday, February 11th, 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 in particular are looking to speak to a man who they believe was in the area around the time who they think either could be a witness or could at least have some information that might be of use to the investigation.

The man, who is white, in his thirties, of stocky build with fair hair, was in a light coloured, small, two-door hatchback type vehicle with a white dog on the back seat.

Det. Insp. Jill Johnston said: “We would be keen to speak to this man as, given that he was in the area around the time of the offence, we believe that there is a possibility he could have information that could help us with our inquiries and so I would urge him to come forward.

“I would like to reassure people that we have a dedicated team of officers working on this case and specially trained officers continuing to support the victim and her family.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log number LC-20130211-0172 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.