A SEXUAL predator is facing jail after admitting to indecently assaulting two teenage girls travelling on buses between Blackburn and Darwen.

Blackburn magistrates heard how Gregory Murphy, of Gladstone Street, Great Harwood, sexually assaulted two girls, who can not be named for legal reasons, on the No.1 service between Blackburn and Darwen on May 7.

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The attacks happened on separate journeys.

And detectives are appealing for more possible victims to come forward after CCTV footage showed 40-year-old Murphy making the same bus journey on numerous occasions.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, described Murphy as a ‘sexual predator’ who represented a significant risk to women.

Murphy pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault and was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court to be sentenced on June 13.

Miss Allan said Murphy was a convicted sex offender who is on the Sex Offenders’ Register and is currently subject to a suspended prison sentence for an indecent assault on a 13-year-old-girl.

She said the offences were committed on Saturday when Murphy was travelling on the same bus route for at least two hours.

The first victim was a 16-year-old-girl who was ‘deliberately targeted’.

Miss Allan said: “He followed her onto the bus and sat opposite her.

“A few minutes later he moved to the seat behind her and assaulted her.”

The prosecutor said when the girl got up to leave the bus in the Ewood area of Blackburn he followed her and pushed himself against her.

“This young girl was terrified of what was going to happen and ran into McDonalds,” said Miss Allan.

Murphy then returned to Blackburn Bus Station and targeted a second teenage girl.

She later posted that she has been indecently assaulted on her social media account and warned other girls to be aware of Murphy.

Miss Allan added: “The first victim saw the warning, made contact and the two girls reported their separate matters to the police.”

Damian Pickup, defending, said his client had significant mental health problems.

Mr Pickup said: “He says he does silly things when he hasn’t taken his medication.

“On this occasion he had been drinking as well.”

Speaking after the hearing, DC Rob Sledge said police suspected Murphy could have committed further offences and urged other potential victims to come forward.

DC Sledge said: “These are very disturbing offences and I welcome that Murphy has pleaded guilty.

“He now faces a significant prison term.

“As soon as these incidents were reported to us we launched an investigation.

“I’d like to thank Blackburn with Darwen Council and the bus operator for their support and co-operation which has assisted in Murphy pleading guilty at the first opportunity.

“If anyone has been the victim of a sexual offence they can feel confident in coming forward safe in the knowledge that Lancashire police will investigate professionally and sensitively.”

Any potential victims or anyone with information is urged to call police on 101.