POLICE are hunting a sex attacker who indecently assaulted a young girl as she walked her dog near her home.

The attack happened as the seven-year-old walked along an alleyway at the rear of Coleridge Street, Blackburn at about 4.45pm on Wednesday.

The man approached the girl and began talking to her before grabbing her and assaulting her.

Police say the man, described as white, 30-35 years, 6ft, clean shaven, wearing a blue and red waist-length anorak and washed out white or grey jeans, could have been hanging around the area for about an hour before the attack.

Police said the girl had been extremely affected by the incident and was spoken to by specially trained officers yesterday.

PC Rachel Hill, of Blackburn Police, said: "This was a traumatic and upsetting thing to happen to a young girl as she was out walking her dog.

"We would urge anybody who may have seen this man hanging around in the area or who has any information to contact us on 01254 701777 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."