POLICE are hunting for a violent sex beast who indecently assaulted a pregnant woman in a South Shore alleyway last weekend.

The 22-year-old woman had decided to take a shortcut home down what seemed to be an empty backstreet between Highfield Road and Everton Road at around 10.30pm on Sunday, June 8.

But as she made her way along the passage a man -- thought to be in his 30s -- emerged from a hiding place and grabbed her from behind.

The unnamed victim was subjected to a serious indecent assault before managing to wound her attacker and escape.

She was so shaken by the experience that she did not report the assault to police until two days later when a relative urged her to seek medical treatment. After a check-up at Blackpool Victoria Hospital both mother and unborn baby were found to be fine.

The offender is described as big built, around 5ft 7ins tall, with pock-marked face and short dark hair sticking out from under a grey baseball cap.

He was wearing a cream pullover and black tracksuit bottoms with a light-coloured patch at the ankles.

Blackpool Police have appealed for anyone with any information to contact them on 01253 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, quoting crime reference AM3387.