Witness appeal after woman sexually assaulted in Chorley

Harpers Lane, Chorley where the incident took place. Pic: Google street view

Detectives are appealing for information after a woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault in Chorley.

The incident happened between 3am and 4am yesterday (Monday 25 January) at an address in the Harpers Lane area of the town.

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The victim answered the door to a man who then forced her back into the house and subjected her to a serious sexual assault at knifepoint.

The suspect is described as a tall male wearing a black snood covering the bottom half of his face and a dark coloured beanie hat with a white tick on the front.

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Det Insp Pete Reil, of South CID, siad: “This is a shocking incident which I am aware will cause a great deal of concern in the community. Although our investigation is at a very early stage, I would like to reassure the public that we have dedicated officers working on this case and a number of enquiries have already been made.

“I would like to stress that this is being treated as an isolated incident and reassurance patrols have already been stepped up in the area. Those patrols will continue.

“We are appealing for anybody with information or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact police. I would also ask people in the area to check CCTV or dashcam footage to see if they have captured any individuals acting strangely in the area at that time.”

No arrest has been made at this stage but enquiries are very much ongoing to identify the man responsible.

The assault is being treated as an isolated incident and patrols have been increased in the area.

Anybody with information is asked to email 1092@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 0401 of January 25, 2021. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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