A TWELVE-year old bit an attacker on the hand to save her best friend when she was grabbed by a man on a footpath.

The girls were walking between College Close and Malvern Avenue, Padiham, when one was grabbed by the man who put his arm around her.

As the victim screamed and struggled, her pal bit the offender on the hand.

He let go and the girls ran off.

The incident happened at about 7pm on Thursday but was not reported to police until the next day.

Two detectives were today questioning the girls to try to get more information.

Police have also appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

The attacker is white with a suntan, aged between 30 and 40, of medium build and height.

He has short black wavy hair cut in a wedge and with a central parting, a black moustache and a "stubbly'' face.

He was wearing a mustard coloured polo top, short black bubble jacket, dark blue jeans and black trainers.

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