POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was indecently assaulted after being threatened with a knife.

The 17-year-old victim was approached at about 5.45pm on Tuesday, February 24, by a man asking directions. The man then tried to engage his victim in conversation. When the youth made it clear he wasn't interested, the man pulled out a knife and threatened him.

The teenager was then forced at knifepoint across the road and through Fosters Park to the towpath alongside St Helens Canal, where he was indecently assaulted.

The man then walked his victim back along the same half-mile route before leaving him on a path at the back of the St John's Ambulance Station opposite the Union public house, Hall Street, at about 6.55pm.

The attacker is described as white, aged 35 to 40 years, 5ft 11in tall, slim build, with a dark, dirty complexion and light-brown hair. He was wearing a dark-coloured baseball cap with a light-coloured peak, a green/blue three-quarter length waterproof coat, and spoke with a local accent.

VICTIM

The knife used during the incident had a four inch blade and is quite distinctive.

Detective Sergeant Tommy Wright, said: "The victim was very shocked after the ordeal and we would advise people in the vicinity of Fosters Park to be careful and vigilant especially at night.

"There were a number of people on the route that the victim was forced to walk and we appeal to anyone with information to contact us."

Anyone able to help the police can call Detective Constable Sue Corrigan on 0151 777 6061, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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