A PERVERT has admitted asking an 11-year-old girl playing in the street to have sex with him.

Desmond Ward, 61, formerly of William Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to inciting a child under 12 to sexual activity at Preston Crown Court.

Police said Ward drove up to an 11-year-old girl, who was playing in a street on April 17, and propositioned her.

The youngster ran off and told her parents about the incident, the court was told.

Following police inquiries and CCTV footage taken of the incident police arrested Ward two days later.

Detective Constable Martin Hulme, who had been leading the investigation, said: "Ward was driving around the residential area when he approached an 11-year-old girl who was playing in the street and asked her for sex.

"She ran off and he drove off. Ward was arrested on April 19 at his home address, and charged with the offence.

"We treat incidents such as this very seriously and I hope that local residents will be reassured that this man has been caught and brought to justice.

"This was a particularly distressing ordeal for the young girl involved.

"For a man of Ward's age to approach such a young girl in the street is very concerning and unacceptable and we will not tolerate this type of behaviour in Blackburn.

"Anyone who has concerns after being approached by a stranger should contact the police immediately on 0845 1 25 35 45."

Ward will be sentenced in January.