A TEENAGE girl critically ill after a "frenzied" knife attack has been named by police.

Fourteen-year-old Jessica Knight was found with multiple stab wounds by a passer-by in Astley Park, Chorley, at 5.30pm yesterday.

The passer-by called the police and ambulance service and gave first aid while awaiting the arrival of the emergency services.

Police said the teenager was found bleeding heavily near to Astley Hall and about 80 metres from Hallgate Road.

The victim, thought to be a pupil at Chorley's Parklands High School, is said to be in a critical condition at Chorley Hospital where she has undergone surgery.

It appears the girl entered the park after visiting the shops at Astley Village.

Detective Superintendent Steve Brunskill, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a particularly nasty assault on a defenceless young girl and I am appealing for anyone who was in the Astley Village or Astley Park area between 4.30pm and 5.30pm yesterday to contact the incident room at Chorley.

"I am particularly interested to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour or who has noticed anything in the area recently that has aroused their suspicion.

"At this early stage of the investigation we are unsure of the motive and would urge people in the area to take precautions for their own safety until this dangerous offender, or offenders, are caught."

An incident room has been set up at Chorley Police Station and a team of detectives will be carrying out inquiries in the area.

Detective Superintendent Brunskill added: "If anyone has any suspicions about who may have been involved in this attack then please contact the incident room at Chorley or Crimestoppers anonymously.

"In particular, if you know of anyone who returned home after 5.15pm yesterday in an agitated state, who may also have been blood stained, then we need to speak to you."

Officers are currently with the girl's family at hospital and are waiting to speak to the teenager to try and piece together exactly what happened.

The area has been cordoned off by police while officers search the area.

A stretch of a public footpath leading to the historic building has also been sealed off while police investigations continue.

Extra officers, including mounted officers and neighbourhood policing teams, will be on patrol in the area to reassure the public.

Officers will also be visiting local schools to give reassurance to teachers and pupils.

A mobile police station will also be set up in the Astley Village area.

Anybody with any information should contact the incident room at Chorley on 01257 246272 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.