A BRAVE teenager fought off a man who sexually assaulted her after asking for the time.

The girl, who is 16, was walking through Blenheim Park, in Leigh, at around 10.30pm on Thursday when the alleged attack happened.

She was approached by a man who asked her for the time.

He then became aggressive towards her before grabbing and sexually assaulting her.

The teenager was able to bravely fight off her attacker and got herself to safety.

Specialist police officers are now supporting her.

Detectives have issued an appeal urging anyone with information to come forward.

It is thought a group of people were in the park at the time of the attack and may be able to assist the investigation.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector, Scott Egerton said: “We’re looking to speak to anyone who was in the area around this time and saw a man matching this description.

“We believe there may have been a group of people in the nearby park when this is reported to have happened and we ask them to please contact us if they saw or heard anything unusual or suspicious.

“Thankfully incidents like this are rare and the victim bravely fought off the man and got herself to safety.

“She is now being supported by our specialist officers.

“Officers have been and will be continuing to patrol the area, so if you have any information or concerns, please come and speak to us.”

The man who carried out the attack is described as white, aged between 30 and 40 years and was of a large, muscular build.

He had cropped white hair and a long full white beard and was wearing a red polo shirt and jeans.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference 42/120294/20.

Alternatively witnesses can contact charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.