A teenage girl was assaulted in Blackburn yesterday (Tuesday, February 20) after a man grabbed her on the shoulder from behind.

The incident occurred between 8.15pm and 8.20pm as the victim walked through Jack Walker Way, near to Bolton Road in Blackburn.

The victim managed to break free from the man and run off, and although she has been left extremely shaken, she was not seriously injured.

A police investigation has been launched to find the suspect described as being white, six feet tall and with a 'scruffy' beard.

He was also believed to be wearing a black jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and 'smelled' of cannabis.

Nobody has been arrested at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We have launched an investigation after a teenage girl was assaulted in Blackburn.

"The suspect grabbed the victim on the shoulder from behind and she managed to break free from him and run off.

"Although she has been left extremely shaken, thankfully the victim was not seriously injured.

"The suspect is described as being white, 6ft tall with a scruffy beard. He was wearing a black jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and smelled of cannabis.

"We know that this incident will leave the public feeling concerned and we have a dedicated team of officers assigned to this case, who are conducting house to house and CCTV enquiries in the area.

"We have increased reassurance patrols in the area as a precaution.

"If you have not been contacted by our officers but you have dashcam or CCTV footage which has captured anything suspicious in the area between 7.15pm and 9pm, make sure to contact with us as soon as possible."

You can contact the police via email on forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 1488 of February 20, 2024.