DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a teenage girl was accosted in woodland by a man and made to remove items of clothing.

The 15-year-old victim was approached in a wooded area just off Stonyhurst, Chorley, by a man between 8.45am and 9:15am on Thursday. The man asked the girl to follow him, and led her behind some trees within the woods.

He threatened the girl and ordered her to remove some clothing. He then left the scene.

He is described as white, in his 30s, approximately 5ft 10ins, slim, with short hair at the back and sides. He was wearing a black cap, a blue jacket, black trousers and black shoes.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage from the area to come forward.

PC Rebecca Pugh, of Chorley CID said: “This is a disturbing incident which has caused the victim a great deal of distress. Although she received no physical injuries, she was left very shaken. She is now being supported by specially trained officers.

“We understand that this incident will cause a great deal of concern in the community and we have stepped up reassurance patrols in the area.

“We need to identify this male and I would appeal for anybody who saw him or has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to contact police.”

Anyone with information should call Chorley CID on 01257 246190 or email 5639@lancashire.pnn.police.uk and quote log 0404 of September 17, 2020. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.