DETECTIVES are hunting a sex pest who attacked a woman as she walked through a Colne park.

The attack is the third in under a fortnight, although police are not linking the incidents.

In the latest assault a 36-year-old woman was walking through Millennium Green Park in Shaw Street at about 8.30pm on Monday when she was grabbed from behind and indecently assaulted.

Police said the attack could have been much worse if the woman had not managed to struggle free and run off.

Detectives are now hunting the man who they believe could have been loitering in the park for some time before he targeted his victim.

Det Insp Dermott Horrigan, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This was a nasty attack and could have been much worse if the woman had not put up a fight.

"It is extremely important we catch this man and soon."

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the woman or her attacker to get in touch.

The victim is described as having long, dark hair and wearing a dark top and three-quarter-length denim skirt.

The attack follows an indecent assault in Burnley last weekend when a 27-year-old woman was attacked and an incident in Colne on Friday, August 27 when a 15-year-old girl was assaulted.

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.