POLICE are investigating an allegation of a sexual assault in Burnley.

It was reported at around 1.45am today that a woman had been sexually assaulted on the canal tow path, close to Thompson Park.

Officers have said they are currently trying to establish exactly what has occurred. No arrests have been made as yet.

Patrols have been stepped up in the area to offer reassurance to residents. A cordon has been put up next to some construction work taking place under the bridge.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Sammi Kumar, a shopkeeper from Star Mini Mart on Parliament Street, said: “Lots of my customers have been coming in since this morning asking why the police are there. Nobody seems to know anything about it. The path and canal is used for dog walkers, I hope it’s nothing serious. “

A Hornby street resident, which is located on the other side of the canal, said: “The cordon has been up since about 4am.

"There were police with torches searching and at first, because there’s been loads of work going on we thought it was workmen but then when we got up properly at 8am it was still there. Something serious must have happened as to be there all day, there’s got to be something going on.”

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log number 91 of March 22.