DETECTIVES investigating the sexual assault of a dog walker have issued an image of a man they want to speak to.

Police said the attack happened at around 6pm on Saturday, August 25, when a 53-year-old woman had been walking her dog along a footpath in Accrington.

The footpath was close to the back of Epping Avenue between Whinney Hill Road and East Crescent.

She walked past a man and after completing a circular walking route noticed the same man walking towards her.

He grabbed her shoulder and forced his hand between her legs.

She shouted at the offender, pushed him off and managed to run away. He then ran off in the opposite direction.

The offender is described as white, aged around 18 to 20 years of age, and is about 5ft 8ins tall and of a small to medium build.

Officers said he had blond hair, which was collar length at the back and shorter to his ears on the sides. He also had a slightly off centre parting in his hair.

The man was wearing a navy blue sweat top with a round neck with a logo across the chest which was possibly a cream band.

He wore matching tracksuit bottoms which were elasticated at the ankle and dark coloured footwear

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information following the attack and want to reassure residents.

Detective Constable Martin Vernon, from East CID, said: “We are continuing to investigate this distressing incident and I would appeal for anyone who recognises the man in the picture or who has any information which could assist to get in touch.

“I understand such incidents can cause alarm and concern in the community and I would like to stress we have a number of officers working on this inquiry and are doing everything possible to locate the offender involved.”

Anyone with information can call East CID on 01254 353863 or 101 quoting incident reference 1088 of August 25.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.