A MAN exposed himself and grabbed a woman in the Rossendale Valley.

The incident occurred at around 9pm on Wednesday in Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, close to the bridge leading to Waterbarn Lane.

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The man approached the 49-year-old woman from behind and exposed himself before grabbing her while making sexual comments, the police said.

He attempted to force the woman to perform a sexual act on him but she was able to break out of his grasp.

He made off in an unknown direction and the victim also made her escape and alerted friends and the police.DS Tom Edmondson, of Burnley CID, said: “This was an incredibly traumatic experience for the victim and we are determined to find out who this man is.

“We believe someone may have seen him acting suspiciously in the area in the moments before the attack, or someone may have information that could help us identify him.If you know anything, please get in touch with us.

“We would also like to reassure residents that we have stepped up patrols in the area and are doing everything we can to identify this man.”

The offender has been described as a white male thought to be aged in his early 30s.He had ‘stubbly’ facial hair and was wearing a grey beanie hat, a green camouflage jacket and light grey tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log number 1570 of June 22. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.