POLICE were today trying to piece together the awful ordeal of a 14-year-old girl pounced on by a sex attacker in a park.

The 14-year-old girl was taking a short cut through Victoria Park, Nelson, when she was jumped on from behind.

She was dragged into bushes where the attack took place.

The teenage victim has been questioned by specialist police interviewers but was said to be very distressed and in a state of severe shock.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in or near the park at about 9pm on Saturday to come forward.

Detective Inspector Colin Barton said: "They may think they didn't see anything of significance.

"But we need to speak to them to eliminate them from our inquiries.'' A thorough check of the park was made yesterday by a search team and house-to-house inquiries were carried out in the Park Avenue area.

The girl's ordeal began as she set off to visit a friend, walking from Carr Road towards Park Avenue. It was just after 9pm and still light.

Detective Inspector Barton said: "She was dragged into a wooded area where she was secluded from sight. This was a serious sexual assault. She was put through a terrifying ordeal and we need to catch the man responsible.''

The assault lasted a short time before the attacker ran off.

The girl was left in an extremely distressed condition but made her own way back home.

The victim was examined by a doctor. She had suffered no physical injuries but was in a state of shock.

The attacker is described as having exceptionally hairy hands and a tanned skin. He was wearing a dark-coloured, denim shirt or jacket.

Anyone with information which could help police inquiries is asked to contact the police on Colne 01282-863161, or tell any police officer.

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