DETECTIVES investigating two sexual assaults in Rishton said they believe they could be linked.

The latest incident happened when a woman got out of her vehicle in Walmsley Avenue and as she has walked away, a man approached her from behind and put his hand up her skirt.

The offender then fled towards Station Road.

MORE TOP STORIES:

He was described as a white male aged between 18 and 25, around 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build.

The man, who struck on February 7 at around 6pm, was wearing a dark-coloured jacket with dark trousers.

Officers say he was also walking a white or cream and ginger shih tzu-type dog.

Police said they believe the incident was linked to a similar assault that took place in Clifton Street at around 3.30pm on January 24.

In that incident a 19-year-old woman was approached by a man who grabbed her on her bottom.

She challenged him and he then ran off down Clifton Street turning right onto Cliff Street.

Detective Sergeant Ian Procter, of Blackburn CID, said: “This is the second such incident which has been reported to the police in the last fortnight.

“Both incidents occurred late Saturday afternoon or evening and are very similar in the manner the offender has committed the assault.

“The descriptions given are also alike.

“I would like to reassure residents that police patrols have been increased in Rishton and I would appeal to anyone with information regarding either incident to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information can call the police on 101 quoting incident reference 1258 of February 7 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Rishton councillor Harry Grayson urged anybody who might be able to help detectives with their investigation to call police.

He said: “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and the police will get the full support of all three Rishton councillors in order to stamp it out.

“We will work closely with the police to help them find and prosecute the culprits.”