A WOMAN was subjected to a serious sex attack on a canal bank in Burnley.

Police said the woman was approached between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Tuesday on the bank off Colne Road.

A man engaged her in conversation before forcing her to some grass land where he subjected her to a ‘serious sexual assault’.

The man is described as Asian, around 5ft5in tall with a round face and cleanly shaven. He was wearing a dark jacket, dark jeans and a grey woolly hat.

Detective Superintendent Neil Esseen said, "This is a cowardly attack on a vulnerable female member of our community and I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward and contact us.

"Despite the heavy rain on that night, the canal tow path is often used by boat owners, dog walkers and joggers so it is possible that someone may have seen the victim either before or after the attack and we would urge them to get in touch with us. It is also possible that the male was loitering in the area immediately prior to the incident and someone may have seen him.

"We are confident that with the communities assistance we will quickly arrest this man but in the meantime would ask people to be extra vigilant whilst going about their day to day life. Extra police patrols will be in the area."

Anyone with any information can contact police on 01282 425001, or 08451 25 35 45 quoting log number LC-20100929-0006. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.