DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted as she walked in a street near her home.

The 47-year-old was returning home along William Street near Blackburn Royal Infirmary at about 12.30am on Sunday when she was approached from behind by a man who pushed her into an alleyway and assaulted her.

The attack was not a sexual assault and the man made no attempt to steal the woman's handbag before he fled the scene.

The woman, who has asked not to be named, was left shocked and upset but unhurt.

The attacker was described as white, aged in his mid 20s, 5ft 8in, clean shaven, pale, thin, with short dark hair and wearing dark clothing.

DS Paul Murphy of Blackburn CID said: "This was a very upsetting incident and we would urge anyone with any information to come forward and contact us on 01254 51212."