DETECTIVES believe a sex attacker who assaulted a 16-year-old girl is responsible for a similar offence earlier this year.

The teenager was walking to work across Walton-le-Dale High School's field when her attacker grabbed her, threw her to the floor and indecently assaulted her, at around 9.45am on Sunday, April 18.

He fled towards Brindle Road when she screamed. Police believe he also attacked a 14-year-old in Walton-le-Dale Primary School's playing field in February. He is white, 5ft 10ins, of medium build, with staring eyes and dark, very short, almost skinhead hair, and stubble. He was wearing a bottle-green fleece jacket and possibly jeans - the attack may have left him muddied.

DC Jim Skipper, of Bamber Bridge CID, said: "His description is very similar to the one we were given in February.

"The girl is not physically injured but she is very disturbed by the events.

In a separate incident, a 14-year-old schoolgirl was assaulted as she walked along Moss Lane pathway under the M6.

Her attacker walked past her and then switched direction, following her through the subway, at around 3pm.

When the girl ran, he chased her and indecently assaulted her. Again, he fled when his victim screamed.

DC Ann McKean, of Leyland CID, said: "The man we are searching for is described as being white, 5ft 6ins, aged 40-50, with grey hair, and wearing dark glasses and a cream cardigan.

"A man of similar description was seen driving a metallic blue car - possibly a Ford Escort." With information on the first incident contact (01772) 433561 and the second, (01772) 209840.

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