A 17 year-old girl was indecently assaulted after being stopped by a group of men as she walked along a main road in daylight.

The girl was surrounded by four men, as one indecently assaulted her and exposed himself, while another verbally abused her.

Police officers are certain a passer-by -- perhaps a driver travelling along the A666 at Darwen -- must have seen something that could help them catch the group, and are appealing for any information.

They said the girl was left shaken and disturbed by the attack.

She was walking towards Darwen town centre with a friend at 7pm last Friday and had reached the Bowling Green Hotel where her ordeal began.

One man indecently assaulted her then backed off and she suffered verbal abuse from another in the group. Then the man who indecently assaulted her returned.

This time he exposed himself to her.

Police said the group made no attempt to run off, but walked towards Darwen town centre.

The man who carried out the two attacks was described as Asian aged 18 to 21, around 5ft 6in, of medium build, with black cropped hair and clean shaven.

He was wearing a grey sweatshirt, a jacket and adidas tracksuit bottoms. The other three were said to be an Asian and two white males all aged between 18 to 24.

Detective Sergeant Ian Critchley, of Darwen CID said he was sure someone driving by must have seen something that could help locate this group.

He added: "We would appeal for witness who were in the vicinity and anyone who has any knowledge about the group."

Those with information should call 01254 353841.