POLICE are hunting a man who indecently assaulted two schoolgirls on the canal towpath in Clayton-le-Moors.

The 14-year-olds were cycling near Pilkington Bridge when the man, who was riding a silver mountain bike, approached them.

He indecently assaulted both girls before riding off towards Clayton.

The girls reported the incident but saw the man again near a road called Chequers. He was standing on the canal towpath, wearing only a pair of underpants. The incident happened just before 6pm on Saturday.

Inspector Bob Ford, of Great Harwood police, said: "It was a serious incident. It was a very frightening ordeal for youngsters of that age. That stretch of the canal between Burnley Road and Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, is usually quite busy with people fishing and there are a lot of houses which overlook it so we are anxious to hear from anyone who saw this man.

"It may well be that the man has done other things to other people who have not reported it and we would like to hear from them. Obviously all calls will be dealt with in confidence."

The girls were yesterday being interviewed by specially-trained police officers.

They were able to give a good description of the man.

He is described as white, aged 28 and 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall. He had a tanned complexion, short dark hair with long sideburns and was of medium to stocky build. He had a stubbly face and crooked yellow teeth. He spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing black jogging trousers, scruffy black shoes and a black sweatshirt with a hood, possibly with stripes on the shoulders, and a large motif on the chest.

Anyone with information can contact Great Harwood police on 01254 884800.

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