A PERVERT attacked two girls who were playing in a field, subjecting them to a serious sexual assault.

The youngsters, aged nine and 10, who are both from Darwen, were in a field between Chapels Brow and Ivinson Road near to St James' Church when they were attacked.

A 19-year-old Darwen man has been arrested and bailed in connection with the incidents.

Police do not know how long the incident lasted but say the girls were assaulted some time in the afternoon of Tuesday, August 21.

Detectives have only just released details as a report was not made to them for several days.

Police are now appealing for a woman, who spotted the girls and may have seen the attacker, to come forward.

She was walking her dog in the area at the time of the assaults and stopped to talk to the girls and ask how they were. Detective Sergeant Ian Geogarty, of Darwen CID, said: "On Tuesday, August 21 a serious sexual assault took place involving a nine-year-old and a 10-year-old girl.

"At the time of the incident it is believed a lady with a long-haired dog disturbed the offence taking place and had a conversation with the young girls. We would like to appeal to that lady to come forward."

He said the girls were unable to give a description of the woman.

DS Geogarty said the girls were being cared for, and he also moved to reassure parents with young children living in Darwen.

He said: "A 19-year-old local male has been arrested in connection with the offence and is currently on police bail living outside the area pending further inquiries," he said. "The girls are recovering from their ordeal."

Anyone with information should call DS Geogarty on 01254 353841.