POLICE in Burnley are appealing for witnesses to an alleged assault near Mount Road.

The appeal follows a report from a 15-year-old girl that she was grabbed from behind by a male while walking on a footpath at around 6.55pm on Monday.

The youngster alleges that the male grabbed her and lifted her off the ground but that she managed to escape after kicking him.

She was left with bruising and swelling to her face after the offender, who may have had an accomplice, hit back at her.

Local community beat manager PC Adam Gordon said he is keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the girl or the alleged offender or offenders around the time of the incident.

The girl believes that her attacker was of stocky build, with short dark hair, and wearing either a black or blue jumper and blue tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with any information can contact PC Gordon direct on mobile 07984 316849 or Burnley Police on 01282 425001.