A WOMAN was sexually assaulted as she walked through a park.

The incident, which left the woman ‘very shocked’, happened at around 4.15pm on Tuesday when the 56-year-old victim was alone in Corporation Park, Blackburn.

Police said a young man walked up to her, grabbed her around the neck and forcibly kissed her before running off.

The man was described as Asian, aged in his late teens or early twenties and around 5ft 6in to 5ft 7in tall.

He was of large build with a wide squashed nose and short dark curly hair.

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He was wearing a white and grey top, tracksuit bottoms with a grey cap and had sunglasses and headphones on.

Officers are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and saw what happened to contact them.

They are also keen to trace a woman who helped the victim after the incident but left before police arrived.

The woman was Asian and had a toddler with her.

DC Dave Bowler said: “This incident has understandably left the victim very shocked and an investigation is underway to find the man involved.

“Patrols have also been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance to local residents.

“If anyone has any information about what happened, or if you were in the area at the time and witnessed any suspicious activity, then please get in touch with us.

“I would also urge the woman who helped the victim immediately after the attack to contact us.”

Contact police on 101 quoting log 921 of April 4.