DETECTIVES probing a historic sexual assault are looking to speak to a man they believe can help them with their investigation.

An inquiry was launched three years ago by Lancashire Police following reports that a woman had been the victim of a serious sexual assault in December 2017.

Now, officers are looking to speak to 29-year-old Badr Hjaji in relation to the offence.

The man, described as Middle Eastern, 5ft 9ins, of slight build, with short black hair, brown eyes and a full black beard, is thought to be in the Bradford or Leeds area.

A police spokesman said: "Police launched an inquiry following a report that a woman was sexually assaulted in December 2017 but enquiries so far have failed to locate Hjaji and now we are appealing for help to trace him."

DS Steve Craig, of East CID, added: “We urgently need to speak to Badr in connection with our investigation.

"I would encourage anyone who knows of his whereabouts - or Badr himself – to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 1458 of January 24, 2019. For immediate sightings call 999.