WOMEN are being warned to be vigilant after a teenage girl was attacked in Accrington.

Police are urging women to avoid walking alone in secluded areas late at night following the sexually motivated assault last week.

The 17-year-old girl was walking along an unlit footpath between Wordsworth Road and Slaidburn Drive in the Fern Gore area when she was grabbed from behind by a man who tried to remove her clothing.

The path, which crosses the playing field off Mount Carmel RC Science College, is enclosed by two iron railings and is not covered by street lighting.

The girl managed to run away after fighting off the attacker but was left very shaken by the incident, which happened at about 11.30pm last Thursday.

The offender, who smelled strongly of alcohol, is described as slim, about 5ft 8ins tall, and was wearing a dark coloured top, which was possibly hooded, and a baseball cap.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Watson of Accrington CID said: "The girl was grabbed but managed to fight off the attacker fairly quickly, slip his grip and run away but it has left her very shaken. We are appealing for anyone with any information or any potential witnesses to contact police."

Ring CID on 353741 or the free Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.