DETECTIVES investigating the sexual assault of a child in Darwen have charged a man.

Police were called at shortly before 7pm on Friday, after a girl reported she had approached by a man on the playing fields on Marsh House Lane in the town.

The man started talking to the girl before he then sexually assaulted her. She ran off and sought help by flagging down a passing motorist. After a public appeal a man was arrested.

Mark McCarren, 46, of Blacksnape Road, Hoddlesden, has been charged with one count of sexual assault.

UPDATE: Man accused of indecently assaulting teen makes mystery witness appeal in court

He is due to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday).

The victim, a teenager, continues to be supported by specially trained officers.