A 15-year-old schoolgirl was subjected to a terrifying indecent assault while she was walking home in the centre of Nelson.

The girl, who lives in Nelson, had been out with friends and was walking on Barkerhouse Road when she was approached by a man who dragged her into a back alley behind the Save Service Station in Leeds Road.

She was pushed up against a wall and subjected to an indecent assault and only when she struggled and hit out did she manage to break free.

Police were today appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of Barkerhouse Road and Leeds Road, Nelson, and who may have seen the girl's attacker to contact them.

Details of the attack, at 11.10pm on Friday, were released yesterday.

Police are appealing for any witnesses in the area around the scene of the attack and in particular the occupiers of a white car, possibly a Vauxhall Cavalier or Ford Sierra with a C or G registration number, to contact them.

It was seen driving slowly along Barkerhouse Road at the time of the assault.

DC Ray Entwistle said: "This was a very serious indecent assault which could have gone further had the girl not struggled and hit out at her attacker.

"She ran away and went straight home and did not see in which direction he left the scene.

"There are quite a few pubs and at that time of night people are walking about in the area.

"I am appealing for anyone who saw this man either before the attack or leaving the scene, the occupants of the white car who may or may not have been known to the attacker and anyone walking in that area."

DC Entwistle said the girl was shocked by the incident and was being comforted by family members.

She described her attacker as Asian, early 20s, 5ft 6ins, stocky, with short cropped dark hair which was gelled, a big nose and stubble on his chin. He was wearing a thick gold neck chain, a white vest, dark jeans and white trainers.

DC Entwistle said police were checking CCTV cameras nearby.

Anyone with information should contact Nelson CID on 01282 472645.

Police said the incident was unconnected with the two alleged rapes in Barnoldswick last week.