A man has admitted sexually assaulting two teenage girls on buses.

Gregory Murphy, of Gladstone Street, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court to two counts of sexual assault.

Murphy, 40, was remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court for sentence on June 13.

Both victims were teenage girls and the offences took place on two separate bus journeys between Blackburn and Darwen.

On one occasion Murphy pushed against the victim and gyrated against her. On the second occasion he sat behind the girl and touched her bottom. CCTV was installed on both buses.

Det Con Rob Sledge, of Blackburn CID, said: “These are very disturbing offences and I welcome that Murphy has pleaded guilty. He now faces a significant prison term.

“As soon as these incidents were reported to us we launched an investigation and I’d like to thank Blackburn with Darwen Council and the bus operator for their support and co-operation which has assisted in Murphy pleading guilty at the first opportunity.

“If anyone has been the victim of a sexual offence they can feel confident in coming forward safe in the knowledge that Lancashire Constabulary will investigate professionally and sensitively.”