A MANHUNT has been launched after a teenage girl was the victim of a serious sexual assault near Accrington railway station.

Detectives say a 16-year-old was attacked on the Paxton Street side of the interchange just before 5am on Sunday after the girl, and a friend, got talking to three Asian men.

The alleged attacker ran off towards Paxton Street after carrying out the assault, according to investigators, who have now issued an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Earlier on Saturday, around 11.20pm, the girls started talking with the trio and they walked to the railway station along Richmond Street, where they remained for some time, before the attack.

Det Sgt Melissa Kelly, of Blackburn CID, said: "The victim in this case has been subjected to a serious sexual assault and an investigation is ongoing to identify the person responsible.

"We are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area on Saturday night into Sunday morning.

"If anyone saw the group in the area at the time or has any information that could assist with our enquiries I would urge them to contact us as soon as possible.”

The man police are hunting is said to be Asian, aged 19 to 20, with a broad or muscular build. He stood around 6ft 1in and had short dark hair.

He was described as wearing a baseball cap, red checked jacket and dark trousers.

Witnesses are being asked to contact police on the non-emergency number, 101, quoting crime reference ED1611051 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.