Police link teenage sex attacks

Police in Bolton are urging girls not to walk to school alone after two sex attacks within a few weeks.

The warning follows an attack on a 14-year-old on Greenmount Lane, Heaton, which officers believe could be linked to an assault in nearby Ferns Grove.

The latest victim managed to push her attacker away and run to school before raising the alarm on Friday morning.

Police want to speak to the driver of a silver car who was in the area at the time and could be a vital witness.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the girl was walking to school at about 0845 GMT when she was grabbed by a man, pushed to the ground and sexually assaulted.

He is described as white, aged 18 to 20, about 5ft 6ins tall, and skinny.

He was wearing a blue and black outdoor waterproof jacket, grey trousers, white trainers and had stubble on his chin.

Victim shaken

In the earlier attack on 8 December, a man tried to abduct a 13-year-old girl after sexually assaulting her.

Det Con Stephanie Parker, of GMP's public protection unit, said such incidents were rare but confirmed they were being linked.

"We have and will continue to liaise closely with the school and have a number of lines of inquiry that we are currently following up," she said.

"I am particularly keen to speak to the driver of a silver car that was seen driving across the junction of Greenmount Lane and Albert Road West just before the attack.

"You could be a vital witness and I would urge you to contact the police."

Ms Parker said the girl was "extremely upset and shaken" following the assault.

"Although we do not want to panic the community, I would urge people, particularly young girls, to ensure they are not walking alone, avoid shortcuts and stick to well-lit areas," she added.