A TEENAGER was subjected to a terrifying sex attack after being dragged into isolated woodland as she walked to a phone box.

The 14-year-old girl was on her way to the kiosk in Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, when she was grabbed from behind. Police said her attacker dragged her from an area known locally as the 'snickett', which links with Queens Way and Newchurch, into the dark woodland.

The victim, who was seriously sexually assaulted, escaped when a passer-by heard her screams and the attacker fled along Burnley Road East towards the town centre.

The girl was said to be shaken by the ordeal, at 12.40am on Saturday, and suffered minor injuries.

Detective Sergeant Andy Gilbert said: "We have reason to believe that the attacker could have been lurking in the area before the assault. This was a nasty assault on a young girl.

"We would urge anybody who may have been in the area or thinks they may have seen the attacker either before or after the assault to contact us."

Police today advised people not to panic but warned them to be on their guard and help them catch the sex pest.

Senior officers have said there would also be additional patrols in the area.

The scene was cordoned off while police carried out a forensic search.

Officers have also been conducting door-to-door inquiries.

The attacker is described as in his late teens to early 20s, slim, with short, blond, collar-length hair.

He was wearing a white jacket, which he may have removed at some point, dark trousers and black trainers.

Steve Taylor, owner of Steve's Greengrocers in Bacup Road, Waterfoot, said: "It's absolutely dreadful.

"Everybody has been talking about it. It's sent shockwaves right through the community. It's absolutely disgusting to think that there are people like that lurking in the neighbourhood.

"I just hope that the young girl is going to be all right after suffering this horrendous ordeal."

Anybody with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.