A TEENAGER was violently attacked and sexually assaulted as she walked down the street.

Police are appealing for information following the incident at around 4pm on Tuesday.

The girl, 17, was walking along the canal path from Westgate, Burnley, and was entering the steps near Cooper Street when she was approached from behind.

The attacker assaulted her before touching her inappropriately.

She then kicked the male and at the same time she believes a passer-by may have appeared.

At that point the offender left towards the canal path and the victim ran off to get help.

The victim was left with several cuts and bruises and severe swelling to her face and shoulder.

The offender is described as white, around 5ft 8ins/9ins tall, of average build and with dark hair. He was wearing dark jogging pants and earphones.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Hargreaves said: “A teenage girl has been grabbed and assaulted in broad daylight. As a result of this she has suffered some nasty injuries, as well as being left extremely shaken.

“We are determined to find the person responsible and are now asking for the public’s help.

"We believe a member of the public may have appeared and scared off the offender, and we would like to trace them and speak to them as they might hold information that is important to our investigation.

“We would also like to hear from anyone else who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, or anyone who thinks they may know who is responsible.

“We appreciate this will have caused some concern in the community but we are working extremely hard on this investigation and in the meantime will have extra patrols in the area. Anybody with concerns is welcome to speak to those officers.”

Call police on 101.