A brave South Ribble teenager walking home from work managed to fend off a man who tried to grab her - by whacking him in the face.
The 18-year-old was on Wateringpool Lane in Lostock Hall at 7pm on Friday night when she was grabbed from behind as she passed the old tramway bridge near to Hennel Lane.
She managed to free herself from his grip by 'striking him in the face', pol
ice said.
He then fled and although shaken, she was unhurt.
Police praised the teenager and issued an urgent appeal for information.
Det Sgt Jon Cass said, "This was a very frightening ordeal for this young woman who acted very courageously when fighting off her attacker.
"It is quite likely that the offender will have sustained some visible facial injury from the incident, and I would urge anyone that recognises the description of this man to come forward and contact police and be reassured that any information can be treated in confidence."
It is not clear in which direction he fled.
The man has been described as a white man, over the age of 25, around 6 ft 4 ins tall, with a large muscular build, big shoulders and a balding head.
He was wearing a long sleeved black fleeced top with a zip at the neck, and blue jeans.
The man also smelt strongly of alcohol.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via Leyland CID on 01772 415846 or 08451 25 35 45 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
