A TEENAGER was left terrified after she was taken into bushes and seriously sexually assaulted in Blackburn.

The 14-year-old girl was playing on fields near to St James’ C of E Primary School, in Oozebooth Terrace, when she was approached by a man who was wearing a fluorescent yellow jacket. 

As the attacker emerged from the undergrowth with the girl he was spotted and ran off towards Carlton Gardens.

Detectives have launched a major inquiry and a dedicated team of officers were last night carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area.

The youngster is being supported by specially trained officers.

It is understood the girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, did not know her attacker.

The incident was reported to police after the girl told a teacher about what had happened to her.

DCI Dean Holden, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said he was particularly keen to here from anybody who may have private CCTV in the area.

He said: “This was a terrifying incident for the young girl involved and she is now being supported by specially trained officers.

“An investigation is now underway and I would appeal to anybody who has any information about to come forward.

“I would be keen to speak with anyone who may have seen a man in the area wearing a fluorescent yellow jacket or acting suspiciously either on Thursday evening or in the days prior to the assault. Even the smallest amount of information could prove to be crucial.”

“I would reassure people that we are treating this as an isolated incident and police patrols have been increased in the area.”

Coun Hussain Akhtar, who represents the Shear Brow area, called on the community to work together to trace the attacker who struck between 6pm and 9pm .

He said: “This is something we cannot accept. This girl must have been absolutely terrified.

“If we do not stop things like this happening now, maybe something even worse will happen.

“I want the community to work shoulder to shoulder with the police. We want the area to be safe.”

Anybody with information should call 101 quoting log number 1260 of June 6 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.