A GIRL was seriously sexually assaulted after being pounced on in an alleyway as she returned home following New Year celebrations.

The 16-year-old local victim was attacked as she walked through the Ewood area of Blackburn between 1am and 1.30am yesterday.

Detectives interviewed her at her home yesterday afternoon and scene of crime officers searched the area for clues.

The back street where the attack took place runs behind behind a row of shops in Bolton Road -- which include a chemist, a takeaway, a hairdressers and a florists.

A side street between the chemist and Ewood Working Men's Club and a second side street near the Aldi supermarket car park were both cordonned off by police yesterday.

Officers are appealing for help in tracking down the attacker.

He was Asian, in his late 20s or early 30s, stocky with short black spiky hair, a moustache and stubble.

He was said to have a local accent and was wearing traditional Asian clothing.

Detective Sergeant Mark Rothwell said: "We are investigating an allegation of sexual assault on a 16-year-old female. We would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious within that vicinity and all information given to us will be treated in the strictest confidence.

"The area was cordonned off yesterday so that a search of the area could be carried out."

Residents and shopkeepers in the area said they were shocked at what had happened but said they had not known about the attack until the police cordonned off the area.

An elderly Bolton Road resident, who did not want to be identified, said: "I can't believe this has happened so near to where I live. I didn't hear anything this morning and I wondered what was happening when I saw the police.

"It's awful to think someone would do something like that."

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Blackburn CID on 01254 353569.