A MOTHER was indecently assaulted in a motorway underpass while carrying her baby in her arms.

The woman, who was also holding the hand of her young daughter at the time, told how the attack, in Gannow Top underpass, Burnley, had left her terrified of going out alone.

And detectives branded the pervert despicable' and said they feared he could strike again unless he was caught soon.

The attack, at 4.45pm on Friday, happened as the woman was walking along the underpass towards Fielden Street.

Police said the attacker approached the woman and groped her indecently on the front and back.

The outraged woman shouted: "You dirty pervert". The attacker then fled towards Fielden Street.

She said: "I was absolutely terrified by what happened particularly because I had the children with me.

"Now I feel I can't go out to the shops on my own any more.

"As I feel at the moment I am very wary about going out alone.

"I am certainly too scared to use that subway again."

Detective Constable Dave Hindle, of Burnley CID, said: "The woman wasn't hurt but was left shaken by the incident.

"The indecent assault happened while she was carrying her baby and was walking along with her other child in broad daylight.

"Women shouldn't be frightened to go out alone but we would ask them to be on their guard.

"It was a despicable act and we are keen to trace the male as quickly as possible to prevent any further attacks from taking place.

"We are also appealing to anybody who was in the subway at the time who either witnessed the incident or saw the man beforehand to come forward."

The attacker was described as white, in his mid 30s, about 5ft 6in tall, plump and with short black hair.

He was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms and a blue light jacket.

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Hindle at Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.