A YOUNG woman was dragged backwards into a ginnel in Atherton and indecently assaulted, police have revealed.

The 21-year-old was pulled into the passageway as she walked along Market Street shortly after midnight last Friday.

She was indecently assualted but managed to elbow her attacker and he ran off.

Police have warned women to take care when walking in badly lit areas -- and praised the victim's bravery.

Detective Constable Susan Sullivan, from Leigh CID, said: "The victim has been left extremely shaken and she showed a great deal of bravery in fighting off her attacker.

"Although this was a very frightening ordeal for her, I would like to reassure people that this kind of incident is very rare.

"However, I would advise women walking on their own to stick to well lit areas and to be aware of their surroundings."

The woman has not been identified.

The man is described as around 6ft 2ins tall, wearing dark clothing, a woollen hat and thick ski-type gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leigh CID on 0161 856 7254 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.