Detectives investigating a serious sexual assault in Preston City Centre are appealing for witnesses.

It happened at around 4:20am on Sunday (September 22^nd) when the victim, 18, has become separated from her friends, walking along Lancaster Road from Church Street.

When she has reached the junction with Harris Street at the side of Sessions House, she has met a man.

After a brief interaction, they have walked onto Lord Street, where it is believed that the woman was sexually assaulted on a grassed area.

It is thought that the man has then walked off but returned to the area a few minutes later and tried to talk to the victim. He then headed back on to Lancaster Road.

Read more: Crime news from Blog Preston

DI Fiona Jackson from Preston Police said: “Clearly this was an extremely distressing incident for a young woman who had been enjoying a night out with her friends. She is being supported by specially trained officers.

“Despite incidents of this type being rare, we are treating it very seriously and have a team of detectives working on finding this man.

“We are on with CCTV enquiries and are keen to speak to anyone who has seen the victim with him or those who may have seen him before he met her.

“If you think you can help, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

The man is described as Asian, aged around 18 to 20 years old, of medium build with a stubbly beard and dark, spiky, fluffy hair. He was potentially wearing a light coloured jacket.

Anyone with information can call 01772 209633 or if you fail to get an answer, 101, quoting incident reference 323 of September 22^nd.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.