GIRLS are being urged to take extra care after a teenager was indecently assaulted on a new housing estate as she walked home.

The 16-year-old girl kicked her attacker and ran away after he grabbed her in Arbour Drive, Oakdale Estate, on the Blackburn and Darwen border.

She was said to be shaken by the ordeal, but unharmed physically. The incident took place just before 10pm on Sunday, but details have only just been released by police.

Police today advised people not to panic, revealing it was the first incident of its type on the estate. But they want people to be on their guard and help them catch the sex pest.

Senior officers are also putting on additional patrols in the area in a bid to catch the man responsible.

Detective Constable Leo Cook, from Blackburn CID, said the man attempted to strike up a conversation with the girl, before grabbing her.

He added: "The victim managed to fight off the man and ran straight home, where she called the police. It is believed the man got into the front passenger seat of a blue Citroen Saxo just after the incident.

"I urge anyone with information to contact us."

The man was white, in his early 20s, 5ft 6ins, of skinny build and had short, dark hair which was combed forward.

He was wearing a beige T-shirt, white tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Call Police Constable Andrew Haslam at Blackburn police on 01254 51212, or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.