An investigation is underway after reports a teenage girl was sexually assaulted on a path popular with walkers.
The victim was walking along the Loop Line off Helsby Road in Orrell Park at around 4.30pm on Monday, when she was grabbed by a man.
After grabbing her, it was reported that the man sexually assaulted the victim and made threats towards her.
Police said the girl was left incredibly shaken by the ordeal.
Officers remain in the area this morning, September 22, and a police cordon is in place.
An investigation is underway and forensic, CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out.
The offender is described as white and approximately 40 years old, with short hair.
He was reported as wearing a Liverpool FC shirt, long pants and a baseball cap.
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Detective Chief Inspector Richie Jones said: “This was an extremely distressing incident for the victim, and we are in the very early stages of an investigation and working to gather information, establish the full circumstances and locate the offender.
“If you were in the area earlier and saw or heard any suspicious behaviour, or have any CCTV or dashcam footage, please let us know.
“Incidents such as this are incredibly rare however whilst we don’t want people to be fearful, I would encourage the public to be vigilant in the area. I would like to reassure the local community that we are working to establish the exact circumstances and doing everything we can to locate the person responsible, and the victim is being fully supported by the Unity team at this time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting reference 20000573178 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
