A MAN who attacked a 13-year-old girl on playing fields in Rishton is being hunted by police.

The girl was walking on what is known locally as the White Path near the playing fields of Norden High School.

The victim, who is a Norden pupil, was approached by a man who has grabbed her and thrown her to the ground.

Police said the man was said to have been hiding in bushes before he attacked her and after throwing her to the ground, he lay on top of her.

Detectives believe he may have been disturbed before he then ran off towards the nearby football pitches.

The incident happened on Wednesday at around 3.25pm.

He is described as white and in his early twenties, around 5ft 6in tall, stocky and cropped brown hair.

He was wearing a blue vest top with black pants and trainers. Detective Sergeant Paul Langley from Hyndburn CID said: “Naturally the victim has been left feeling very shaken following her ordeal and we have specially trained officers working with her to piece together what happened.

“Patrols have been stepped up in the area and I would reassure the local community that we are doing everything possible to track down the offender.

“It was a sunny afternoon and the area is often frequented by walkers and people walking their dogs.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened to come forward and contact police.”

Norden High headteacher Bob Flood said they would be warning other pupils.

He said: “I will be speaking to students directly through assemblies.

“We would tell children that if they walk to school in this area, it is best to be accompanied by friends as most of them are.”

Call Hyndburn CID on 01254 353741 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.