THIS is the face of a 'Samaritan' turned attacker who tried to indecently assault a woman he befriended while she was having an asthma attack.

Blackburn CID said the man -- described as Asian and aged between 20-30 -- approached the woman as she was making her way home from a night out.

As the 31-year-old was walking along Lower Audley Street, in Blackburn, at around 2.40am, she started to suffer an asthma attack.

The man befriended her and started to help her before grabbing her and dragging her to waste land where police said he attempted to commit a serious sexual offence.

Detective Sergeant Paul Murphy said: "We are concerned at this serious incident and we feel that this man must be arrested before he committed any similar offences.

"The victim is extremely shocked and currently receiving medical and psychological help."

Mr Murphy said the man was described as an Asian male around 5ft 6ins tall medium to well built. He had short dark hair which was receding at the front.

Mr Murphy added: "We are appealing for witnesses to the incident or anybody that can identify the man from this picture."

If you have information contact Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.