A TEENAGER was allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed as he walked close to a park in Blackburn, police said.

The 19-year-old told detectives he was allegedly attacked by a man on a grassed area close to Greenside Avenue in Mill Hill yesterday morning.

The adjacent children’s park was cordoned off and guarded by two police officers all day yesterday.

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Detectives said the investigation was in its early stages as police increased police patrols in the area were increased.

Officers are now appealing for anyone with information about the attack, which is said to have happened at about 3am on Wednesday, to come forward.

As well as the alleged sexual assault, the man, who is being supported by specially trained officers, was also robbed of cash and other personal items.

Officers said the alleged attacker is described as an Asian man, of a stocky build, aged between 25 and 35, and wearing dark clothing.

DI Julie Cross said: “We have received an allegation of a sexual assault and are in the early stages of our enquiries.

“We appreciate that this report will be of concern to people and so we have stepped up patrols in the area to reassure local residents.

Neighbours have spoken of their shock at seeing the park cordoned off when they woke up yesterday.

Mother-of-three Heather Thompson, 33, said: “I got up to take the children to school at 7.30am and saw a police car parked right outside my house.

“Up here it’s really quiet normally. Nothing really goes on. I was really surprised to see all that outside the park.”

A police spokesman said: “We are investigating an allegation of a sexual assault of a 19-year-old man in the early hours of yesterday.

“The incident is reported to have happened at a park near to Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.

“The victim is also reported to have had some cash and other personal items stolen during the incident.

“Enquiries are ongoing and a scene is currently in place. The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.”

Anyone with information canis urged to call police on 101.