TWO women have been sexually assaulted in separate incidents in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The first assault happened on the Flat Iron Car Park in Market Walk, Chorley, and the second a short time later on Steely Lane by the Horse Bit shop.

On both occasions the offender is described as an Asian man, about 20 to 30-years-old, with stubble or a goatee beard, and a full head of hair. He was wearing dark clothing - a dark tracksuit top with white piping at the top and dark bottoms, police said.

Both women were shaken but unhurt after the attacks.

The first incident happened at about 1.30am, where the offender pushed the woman to the ground before trying to put his hands on her.

She managed to elbow the man and scream out.

The second assault happened at 2.15am. The offender dragged the woman down an alley and forced her to the floor while making obscene comments to her, police said.

She managed to hit the offender with her bag and kick out at him as fled the scene.

Det Supt Graham Coates said: "Both women were very shaken up by the attacks but fortunately were not seriously injured.

"A lot of people would have been out and about in the early hours of New Year's Day morning and I would appeal to anyone that was in either of the areas and saw anything suspicious to contact us."

He added: "I would also emphasise to females the importance of considering their personal safety when they are out and about at night, not walking on their own and pre-booking transport home.

"Fortunately these incidents do not happen very often but personal safety should always be a top priority."

Anyone with any information should contact Chorley CID on 01257 246363 or anonymously by telephoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .