Detectives are urgently appealing for witnesses after a teenage girl was baited into the woods and coerced to undress.

The 15-year-old was approached by an unknown male near Stonyhurst, Chorley. This occurred between 8.45 to 9.15 am on Thursday 17th September. The male is described as white, age around 30, approximately 5ft 10 tall and of a slim build with short hair at back and sides. He was wearing a black cap, a blue jacket, black bottoms and black shoes.

Anyone with any information, CCTV or dashcam footage is requested to come forward.

PC Rebecca Pugh, of Chorley CID said: ‘This is a disturbing incident which has caused the victim a great deal of distress. Although she received no physical injuries, she was left very shaken. She is now being supported by specially trained officers. We understand that this incident will cause a great deal of concern in the community and we have stepped up reassurance patrols in the area. We need to identify this male and I would appeal for anybody who saw him or has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to contact police.’

Anyone with information should call Chorley CID on 01257 246190 or email 5639@lancashire.pnn.police.uk and quote log 0404 of September 17th, 2020. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.