DETECTIVES are hunting a serial sex pest who exposed himself to a woman as she walked along a Burnley canal towpath.

Officers are linking the sex attack to a similar incident late last year and has led police to believe they were committed by the same man.

Police are connecting the two incidents but are yet to trace the men responsible and are appealing for witnesses to both.

The latest incident happened between 2.15pm and 2.30pm on Sunday when a 22-year-old woman was approached as she walked along the towpath in Centenary Way.

The pervert exposed himself to the woman before making off towards the town centre.

Detective Sgt Derek Jones, of Burnley police, said: "The offender approached the aggrieved before exposing himself to her and making off.

"There was a similar incident on the towpath a few months ago and we believe the same man may have returned.

"We would appeal for anyone with information to contact us."

The latest victim described the man as white, 5ft 7ins, 40 years, with black hair, a moustache, wearing a royal blue jacket, black trousers, and black slip-on shoes.

This attack follows a similar incident last November when the victim was walking near the Tesco store on the towpath.

The description of the man in both incidents is similar.

Anyone with information about either incidents should call Burnley CID on 01282 472142 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.