A 15-YEAR-OLD girl was dragged into an alley and raped just yards from where people were making their way home in the afternoon rush hour.

The girl was dragged into the alley behind shops in Colne Road, Brierfield, and subjected to the sex assault.

Detectives investigating the attack, which happened around 5.30pm on Friday, have appealed for people who were in the area to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Barlow, of Nelson CID, said: "From looking at CCTV camera footage and considering the time there were obviously a lot of people in the area. We want to hear from anyone who perhaps saw something suspicious but didn't think anything of it at the time to contact us.

"The girl is being comforted by her family. I can only think she is absolutely devastated by what's happened to her."

The attack happened in an alley that runs between Burnley Road and Halifax Road alongside the Wise Buys discount store.

"The girl was dragged into the alley and advances were made to her leading to the assault," said Mr Barlow.

"We have located some witnesses who have been very helpful to us but we fell there have been other people who may have seen something and not attached any significance to it."

The attacker is Asian, about 25 years old, 5ft 8in, stocky, with a moustache.

He was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Nelson CID on 01282 472644.

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