POLICE are still hunting for a pervert who sexually assaulted a five-year-old South Shore schoolgirl as she played with friends on Easter Sunday.

As reported in The Citizen last week, the little girl - who cannot be named for legal reasons - was approached by a man close to an alley at St Helier's Road at around 5pm on Sunday, April 11.

After asking to touch her the man - who is believed to be in his 40s and wore a distinctive silver jacket - dragged the startled youngster off down the alley and subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

He made his escape after the child's young friend came looking for her.

Officers are also investigating claims that a "drunken" man approached a 4-year-old girl in an adjacent alley on Saville Road, South Shore, just minutes before the attack took place.

A Blackpool Police spokesman said: "At this stage we're still conducting enquiries into the incident.

"Specially-trained officers have already interviewed the children involved but, as is always the case with very young witnesses, we're having to tread carefully.

"We're confident that we are making good progress in this investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blackpool Police on 01253 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.