A 17-year-old girl was indecently assaulted in Horwich after being threatened by a thug believed to be brandishing a hand gun.

The girl was not hurt in her ordeal but police fear that the sex fiend may strike again. Women in the area have been warned to be on their guard.

The girl was walking in Duncan Street, Horwich, when the man approached her yesterday afternoon.

He threatened her with a hand gun, then indecently assaulted her before running off.

Inspector Peter Holden, of Horwich police, said: "The young girl is obviously quite upset by this incident.

"The sooner we can catch this man the better - before anything more serious happens.

"We are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to contact us."

The attacker is described as white with tanned skin, 5ft 8ins tall, aged 50 to 55, and was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

The incident happened at around 2.20pm. Anyone with information is asked to ring 0161 872 5050 or contact Horwich police station.

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