A 16-YEAR-OLD Burnley teenager was the victim of what police are describing as a serious, vicious and unprovoked sex attack.

The incident happened on an area of land off Calderbrook Avenue, Manchester Road, known as the Bull Fields at 8.30pm on Friday.

Police are refusing to discuss any details of what happened to the boy except to that the victim was not raped.

But one of the men leading the hunt, Detective Inspector Ron Griffiths, said: "This was a vicious unprovoked attack on a young boy on his way home.

"We must catch this man. If anybody thinks they know who he could be or if they have any information at all please contact us.''

Police launched a major investigation. A white tent was erected in the field and forensic experts and dogs combed the area.

Detectives carried out house to house inquiries at nearby homes.

Mr Griffiths confirmed that the youth had been approached and attacked by a man aged in his mid thirties, 5ft 8-9in tall and of proportionate build.

He has short dark brown hair greying at the front and sides and had very hairy arms and piercing eyes.

He was carrying a white carrier bag possibly containing cans of beer or lager.

He was wearing a mid green short sleeve shirt and dark trousers and dark shoes.

No weapon was used in the incident and the youth was not badly hurt. He has spent the weekend at home where he was interviewed by detectives.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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