POLICE are hunting a man after a 17-year-old girl was grabbed during an early morning walk in a park.

The teenage victim was near the cycle path and the children's play area in Witton Park, Blackburn, when she was approached at around 9.15am on Monday.

Police said the man, who walked with a limp, grabbed her by the shoulders before a lady walking her dog disturbed him.

The 17-year-old managed to struggle free and escape.

Detective Sergeant Sally Riley, of Blackburn CID, said the attack could have been a lot more serious and warned he may strike again.

She said: "This was potentially a very serious incident.

"If the girl had not escaped anything could have happened and there is the possibility that this man could pose a danger to others.

"While we don't want people to panic, if anybody sees this man they should not approach him and contact the police immediately."

DS Riley said the man was described as white aged around 40-years-old.

He was 5ft 7ins tall, skinny with brown collar-length hair parted in the middle.

He had dark eyes, a pale complexion and sunken cheek bones and his nose appeared to be squashed.

He wore a blue anorak, dark blue jeans with muddy trainers and had a chunky gold ring on his middle finger, which was turned inwards. He spoke with a local accent.

DS Riley urged anyone who may know this man, or any witnesses to the attack. to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Blackburn CID on 01254 353569.

The park was the scene of a rape six-years-ago which still remains unsolved. More than 50 men were DNA tested as part of police inquiries after a 22-year-old woman was attacked.