POLICE are hunting a sex attacker who wished a young barmaid a happy new year before dragging her into an alley and subjecting her to a horrifying ordeal.

The victim, 21, was walking home along Cleaver Street in Duke Bar, Burnley, after her New Year's Eve shift at a Burnley bar when she was approached from behind.

Her attacker then said Happy New Year before asking for her name and where she lived.

He then grabbed her and pulled her into a back street, where she was threatened.

The girl fell to the floor but managed to break free and scream for help, at which point the attacker ran off.

Police said the attack, at 3.30am, could have been much more serious if she hadn't managed to escape.

The girl, who has not been identified, made her way home and reported the incident to the police later the same day.

She was due to be interviewed further by detectives yesterday and a hunt has now been launched for the man, who was described as having a local accent.

Det Sgt Derek Jones, of Burnley CID, said: "This was an horrific attack on an innocent young woman making her way home from work.

"If she hadn't struggled in the way that she did and got away this offence could have been far more serious."

He added: "We are treating this incident very seriously indeed."

Anyone with information or any witnesses should contact 01282 472142."