Hunt launched for sex attacker

A woman has been left '˜shaken and upset' by a sex attack close to a popular Fylde pub.
A woman was subjected to a sexual assault at the junction of St Annes Road East and Church Road
Image: GoogleA woman was subjected to a sexual assault at the junction of St Annes Road East and Church Road
Image: Google
A woman was subjected to a sexual assault at the junction of St Annes Road East and Church Road Image: Google

The incident happened on Monday evening close to the Victoria Hotel in Church Road, St Annes.

The 35-year-old victim noticed a man following her as she walked past the pub at around 9.10pm.

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As she approached the junction of Church Road and St Annes Road East, the man grabbed her and touched her inappropriately.

The woman fought the attacker and he made off from the scene.

The suspect is described as white, aged 18 to 19, 5ft 6in tall, of slim build with a pale complexion. He was clean shaven and had flat, un-styled short dark hair.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the incident and would ask anyone with information to contact police.

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Detective Sergeant Chris Sanderson, of Blackpool CID, said: “This assault has left the victim very shaken and upset and we need to find the person responsible.

“We believe the woman was followed before being grabbed close to a grassed area near the Victoria Hotel pub.

“We would ask anyone who witnessed the assault, or saw anyone in the area acting suspiciously, to call police immediately.

“Furthermore, if you recognise the man described, please call us.

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“We have increased patrols in the area following the incident.”

Anyone with information can call Det Con Jonathan Hope-Ross or Det Con Lea Kelly on (01253) 604112. You can also contact police on 101 quoting crime reference WA1617032.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.