A TEENAGE girl was pushed to the ground and sexually assaulted during a night out.

The incident happened on Friday when the 16-year-old was out with friends.

They met a number of youths near to Chicago Pizzas in Tonge Moor Road, Bolton, and started to talk to them. The victim then walked off with the group towards the Starky Arms Pub and began kissing one of the youths down a nearby alleyway.

But, as she tried to walk away, the youth grabbed her, shoved her to the ground, then sexually assaulted her.

The terrified girl managed to struggle free and ran off. When she got home, she raised the alarm and the police were called. A hunt for the sex attacker has now been launched.

Det Con Gary Knox, of Bolton CID, said: “The victim had been getting friendly with her attacker, but when she tried to get away she was forced onto the floor and assaulted.

“This is a serious offence and I would appeal to anyone who was in the Tonge Moor area at the time of the attack to come forward. I would also like to hear from anyone who may recognise the description of the offender to call police.”

The sex attacker was white, 18 or 19 years old, with short, dark, spiky hair.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.