MYSTERY still surrounds the sighting of a young girl crying at the side of a dual carriageway.

Several motorists reported seeing the girl, thought to be about five years old, in a distressed state on Dunkenhalgh Way, Clayton-le-Moors, at about 4.30pm on Saturday but police say they are baffled as to who she was.

A major search operation using the police helicopter was carried out in the hours after the reports although no youngster has yet been reported missing.

Now officers, who say they are "concerned about her welfare", are urging anyone who may know something to contact them to ensure she is safe.

A police spokesman said: "Several motorists who phoned us saying they had seen a girl aged five years with a denim dress and shoulder-length mousey-brown hair.

"We have used our helicopter to search the area but we couldn't find anything.

"We want anyone around the area who knows who she is to come forward.

"We just want to make sure nothing untoward has gone one. We are concerned about her welfare."

Anyone with information should call Blackburn police on 01254 51212, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.