DETECTIVES are hunting a man who chased a woman through Accrington town centre early this morning.

The frightened woman was followed by a man who mumbled at her before running after her.

But he fled when the woman alerted a neighbour with screams as she neared her home.

The man is described as white, about 30 years old, six foot tall, with short, dark, curly hair and was clean shaven. He wore a black bomber jacket and blue jeans.

The incident happened at 1am and police are appealing for witnesses or anyone who knows the man to come forward.

A spokesman for Accrington CID said: "The woman was walking home from the town centre along Blackburn Road.

"She saw the man when she got to the corner of King Street. She continued her journey but noticed he had begun to follow her and felt uncomfortable.

"The woman crossed the road but he crossed over as well and mumbled something at her. She turned round and he grinned. She quickened her pace but he kept up. She told him to go away and began running but he ran after her and she began to scream. As she ran by Shuttle Close a man heard her and looked out of his window.

"The chasing man saw the neighbour, turned and ran off back towards the town centre.

"The woman was not physically attacked but was very distressed. The neighbour's intervention possibly prevented something more serious happening.

"We would be interested in talking to witnesses or anyone who knows the man and any women who may have been followed on the same night."

Anyone with information can call Accrington CID on 01254 382141.

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