DETECTIVES are stepping up their hunt for a teenage sex attacker in Chorley who is believed to have claimed a third victim.

The latest assault was on a girl, aged 16, on Friday Street car park, in Chorley.

In the two other incidents, a woman was attacked in daylight on the same side of town outside ASC Timber Supplies, in Steeley Lane, as she was walking home last Wednesday.

And another terrified woman was targeted when a teenager jumped out at her in Astley Park, Chorley, flashing at her and running off after grabbing her chest.

Police in Chorley said they had put extra resources into catching the pervert, fearing there could be further, more serious attacks.

And they are contacting local schools, warning youngsters and asking them if they have seen anything suspicious, in an effort to track down the youth.

Descriptions of the attacker are being circulated and police say they are hoping for a good response from members of the public.

Detectives believe the same teenager, aged about 14, is responsible. Descriptions have matched those from each incident.

He was described as aged 14 or 15 years old, 5ft 10ins tall with brown or ginger hair.

He was said to be wearing a tracksuit top with an orange and blue stripe on the front and dark blue tracksuit bottoms.

In last Friday's assault on the 16-year-old at 6.25pm, the attacker grabbed her chest and made an indecent remark before running off. The culprit walked past the girl at the junction of Primrose Street shortly before the attack.

Detective Sgt Mick Dagger, of Chorley CID, said: "We are investigating whether the offences are linked.

"It is more than likely they are. The investigations still in its infancy.

"For any person who commits sex attacks, it is recognised they are going to commit more serious ones while they are still at large."

Anyone with information should call Chorley CID on 01257 246364, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.