BLACKPOOL police are hunting for a pervert who sexually assaulted a five-year-old girl as she played with friends on Easter Sunday.

The child - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was playing with a group of friends when she was approached by a man close to an alley off St Helier's Road at around 5pm on Sunday, April 11.

After asking to touch her the man dragged the startled youngster off down the alley and subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

He only made his escape after another child came looking for the girl.

The pair then reported the incident to a neighbour who took the young victim home to her mum.

Police are now urging Fylde parents to warn children to be on their guard against any unknown adults.

A Blackpool Police spokesman said: "At this stage we have no idea if this individual has done this kind of thing before or if he is likely to do it again.

"This little girl and her friend have obviously been warned about 'stranger danger' and were playing close to home so that their family could keep an eye on them.

"But the attack was over before the girls had time to react.

"Unfortunately, with this type of offender, there is very little any parent can do to protect their child other than not allowing them the freedom to go out and play.

"We would urge all parents, even those with younger children, to reinforce awareness of the potential threat from individuals such as this.

"Children should know that it's acceptable to walk away from any unknown adult who attempts to talk to them and, if they find themselves unable to do this, they should make as much noise as possible to alert other adults.

"Equally parents should not hesitate to report any incidents where their child has been approached or made to feel uncomfortable and they should be aware of any suspicious people hanging around places where children are known to play.

"We are doing everything we can to identify the attacker with the help of the victim but this may take some time as we have to tread carefully because she is so young.

"In the meantime we would like to hear from anyone who has further information or recognises this description."

Specially-trained police are working closely with social services to get a more detailed description of the offender who, so far, is described as tall, around 40-years-old with brown hair.

He is also believed to have been wearing a long silver coat and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blackpool Police on 01253 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

POLICE are also investigating claims that a four-year-old girl was approached by a "drunken" man in the next street just minutes before the St Helier's Road attack took place.

The child's mother came forward after learning of the incident from her daughter who approached in an alleyway off Saville Road.

A Blackpool Police spokesman said: "It's still very early stages in the investigations but, at this stage, we are not linking the two incidents."