A VULNERABLE woman with learning difficulties was indecently assaulted by a passenger on a bus.

Police said the Darwen woman was travelling on the 225 Blackburn to Clitheroe service with her boyfriend when her attacker struck.

Detective Inspector Ashton, of Blackburn CID, said the victim had got on the bus around 6.30pm on Sunday at the Boulevard in Blackburn town centre with her partner.

A man struck up conversation with the couple and, at some point in the journey, ended up sitting next to the woman.

Det Insp Ashton said the attacker put his arm round the victim, before indecently assaulting her.

He continued on the deserted bus, getting off at Clitheroe.

The woman reported the offence the following day and police studied CCTV pictures from the bus.

Det Insp Ashton said the woman was receiving support for what was a ‘serious’ indecent assault.

He said: “She’s a vulnerable woman and obviously this was a very traumatic experience for her.

"She’s getting the support she needs to help her overcome what’s happened.”

• A 30-year-old man from Clitheroe has been charged with indecent assault in connection with the incident.