Girl raped walking to school

A 13-year-old girl has been raped on her way to school in Lancashire.

The attack happened at 0845 GMT on Monday as she made her way to school in Penwortham, near Preston.

A man dragged the teenager into woodland at the side of Valley Road by a bridge and assaulted her.

Lancashire Police said it was a brutal attack and are appealing for witnesses.

Public footpath

Constable Mike McKortal told BBC Radio Lancashire that many people could have been in the area at the time of the rape.

"Valley Road is a well-used public footpath which runs between Leyland Road and Hill Road," he said.

"It's used by people walking their dogs, joggers, cyclists and by the side there are allotments.

"There are always lots of people walking through."

The girl's attacker is being described as aged between 20-30 years old, white and of medium build.

He was unshaven and spoke with a soft but gruff voice and was wearing a green fleece and dark blue jeans.

Police are hoping to trace a witness seen walking his dog shortly before the attack.