APPEAL: Woman left for dead after sexual assault in Lancashire Street

Detectives say the 33 year-old victim was approached from behind by her attacker and subjected to a serious assault. She suffered several serious injuries the full extent of which are still not clear as she remains in hospital undergoing surgery.

She was also sexually assaulted.

The incident happened at around 8.15pm on Saturday September 23 off George Street West in Blackburn opposite to the entrance of the Suez Recycling depot.

The attacker is described as white, with blondish/mousey blond hair, short back and sides. He is in his late 20s and around 5’6 or 5’7” tall and probably clean shaven. He also spoke with a local accent.

After the assault the attacker ran off in the direction of Dixon Street leaving the victim lying unconscious in the street.

Police are now appealing for information and for women in the area to remain vigilant.

Detective Chief Inspector Marie Haworth, of East CID, said: “This was an extremely brutal attack on a woman who has been left with some very serious injuries and I would urge anyone with any information which could help us catch this clearly violent man to come forward.

“I would like to reassure the public that we have a number of detectives working on finding the attacker and we are pursuing a number of enquiries including looking through CCTV.

“Until we apprehend this clearly dangerous man we would urge that women in the area remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings when they are out and about.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, 0r 999 if urgent, quoting incident reference 1561 of September 23rd.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.