A 20-YEAR-OLD man has been subjected to a serious sex assault by a gang in Clayton-le-Moors.

The victim was walking home after a night out in Great Harwood when the attack happened in Victoria Street, near to the junction with Whalley Road.

Police have appealed for witnesses to help them catch the attackers.

It is not known how many men were involved, but one is described as Asian, 6ft 1in tall, well-built, with shoulder-length, dark hair.

DS Ian Geogarty, of Accrington CID, said: "We are investigating a complaint of a serious sexual assault on a 20-year-old man, in Victoria Street, Clayton-le-Moors.

"We are appealing for witnesses, anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious or who saw a group of males in this area, to contact us.

"The complainant was not badly injured, he did not go to hospital but he is very shaken and distressed."

Following the incident, at 3.30am on Friday, police cordoned off part of the street that runs alongside the canal for several hours while officers examined the scene.

Residents in Victoria Street were today appalled that such a crime occurred on their doorsteps.

Jim Ormerod, of nearby Albert Street, said: "I'm very shocked. I've lived on this street for 17 years and I've never known of any serious crime to take place here before.

"The street is quiet most of the time and it's a nice area. I think this is terrible."

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "I think it is disgusting and I hope police catch the men responsible.

"Although this street is nice enough, this doesn't surprise me because things like this are happening all over nowadays.

"This area is like everywhere else -- no better, no worse."

And a worker at a factory on the street said: "The first I knew of it was when I arrived at work on Friday morning and police had cordoned the road off. Officers wouldn't tell us what was going on.

"It's an awful thing to happen to someone but this area certainly isn't well-known for trouble."

Anyone with information should call Accrington CID on 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.