WOMEN have been warned to be on their guard after a teenage sex attacker is believed to have struck for the second time in less than a month.

In the latest incident, a 25-year-old woman was walking along Eastgate in Accrington about 6.30pm on Monday when she was approached near the retail park by the Asian male who asked her the time.

He pushed her against a fence and indecently assaulted her before she managed to struggle free and run off.

Police said the assault bore "striking similarities" to an earlier attack on a 26-year-old woman in Napier Street about 9.25am on Friday, January 18.

On that occasion the man asked his victim the time and after she told him and turned to walk away he grabbed her from behind and covered her mouth before committing an indecent act. She fought back and elbowed him in the stomach, causing him to double over in pain. He then ran off up Napier Street.

Detectives say they are particulary keen to talk to two white youths seen with the attacker shortly before Monday's assault.

They stressed they may not know the seriousness of what has happened and were not suspects.

Det Sgt Mark Rothwell, of Accrington CID, said: "This assault bears a striking similarity to the earlier incident in Napier Street.

"I would appeal for the two youths seen with the youngster to examine their consciences and come forward and contact us so we can stop this youth offending again. They have absolutely nothing to worry about.

"We are very concerned that this attacker has approached a lone female who was a complete stranger to him and attacked her.

"Thankfully she wasn't injured, though she was very shocked and distressed."

The attacker was described as 15-16 years, 5ft 6ins, slim, clean shaven, wearing a blue bobble hat, dark zipped up jacket, dark trousers and white trainers.

One of the white youths was described as 15-16 years, 5ft 4ins to 5ft 5ins, wearing a dark baseball cap and a red tracksuit top. The other was 14 years old and 5ft 4ins.

Anybody with information should call Accrington CID on 01254 353741 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.