POLICE were last night hunting a sex fiend who attacked a 40-year-old Accrington woman on a rail station platform.

The station was sealed off by police for almost 24 hours after the assault.

The victim told police she was molested on the York-bound platform on Saturday night.

She reported the attack late on Sunday afternoon.

She was last night giving a full statement to detectives.

Investigators from British Transport Police shutdown the platform while forensic officers carried out a search for evidence.

Trains were not allowed to stop at the station from Sunday teatime but services had begun to return to normal late yesterday.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Burnley Manchester Road station has been closed while police and crime scene investigators follow up a report of a sexual assault on a 40-year-old woman from the Accrington area.

“The assault is alleged to have taken place at 9.30pm on Saturday and was reported to the British Transport Police at 4.30pm on Sunday.

“As of yet, a full statement has not been obtained from the woman.

"She does not appear to be seriously hurt and was not hospitalised as a result of the incident.”

Passengers wanting to travel into the town were being advised by Network Rail to use services via Burnley Central station instead.

The Blackburn and Preston bound platform has remained operational throughout the inquiry, which is being overseen by BTP officers based at Preston.

The police spokesman added: “Police investigations into the matter are still continuing and we would ask anyone with any information to call our freephone number, 0800 405040.”

Local councillor Howard Baker, who represents Trinity ward, was surprised an attack had happened at the station.

“I thought it was quite well lit and quite safe there,” he said.