POLICE today released CCTV pictures of a man they want to question after a girl was assaulted near her school.

The 14 year-old girl, wearing full uniform, was grabbed and hit across the face as the attacker tried to restrain her in wasteland off Meins Road, Blackburn, near Beardwood High School.

But she managed to struggle free and run off, escaping with minor injuries.

However, she is said to be still extremely traumatised about the incident, which happened on Friday March 21. She reported the incident to police only at the end of April.

Today, after acting on information and trawling through CCTV footage of Blackburn shopping centre, they have identified a man they want to question in connection with the incident. The CCTV pictures were taken before the alleged incident.

DC Keith Rimmer, of Blackburn CID, said: "The girl has been traumatised and left very upset about the incident.

"We believe this man may be able to help with our inquiries and would like him to come forward."

He added that he was also trying to trace a middle-aged man seen walking his dog in the area at the time of the incident.

The man seen in the shopping centre was Asian, in his early 20s, 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, with short, black hair in a centre parting.

He had a T-shaped thin goatee beard and at the time of the alleged attack he was wearing a black jacket, beige pants and a white top.

Anyone with information should call DC Rimmer on 01254 353569.