MUSLIM leaders are urging the Asian community to help detectives catch a New Year's Day sex attacker.

The man struck as his 16-year-old victim walked home from a friend's house close to Bolton Road, Ewood, between 1am and 1.30am on Sunday.

Police said the girl was seriously sexually attacked on a backstreet off Bolton Road, somewhere between Ewood Working Men's Club and the Aldi supermarket.

And after learning the culprit is believed to be Asian, the Lancashire Council of Mosques is appealing for Muslim community members to help track down the man.

Secretary, Salim Mulla said: "This is an evil act and something we deplore. If the person behind it is from the Asian or Muslim community, then we would request that the Muslim community do all they can to help and anyone with information to immediately inform the authorities."

The suspect was wearing what police called "traditional Asian clothing" and Mr Mulla said there were no likely "religious reasons" that could explain the man being in the area at the time.

Detectives are watching security footage obtained from shops near the crime scene.

Detective Inspector Mark Rothwell, who is heading the investigation, urged other firms in the area CCTV to get in touch.

"If there are any other businesses in the Bolton Road area with CCTV footage that may help with the investigation, I would ask them to contact Blackburn CID."

He also revealed three people have so far come forward with information as a result of appeals for witnesses.

But they are still anxious for anyone in the area at the time to contact them on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

l The attacker is described as Asian, in his late 20s or early 30s, stocky with short, spiky hair and has a moustache, stubble and a local accent.