A WOMAN fought off an attacker who grabbed her from behind in a park.

Police said the 43-year-old was talking on her mobile phone in Corporation Park, Blackburn, when she was attacked.

An Asian man, thought to be in his 30s or 40s, grabbed her around the mouth at about 8pm on Thursday.

The victim dropped her phone, which broke, but she was able to fight off her attacker and get help.

Det Insp Jill Johnston, of Blackburn CID, said police were appealing for witnesses to come forward.

She said: “Luckily, the woman managed to push him off and shout at him and he walked away.

“The victim was white so I am keeping my options open about motives.

“I am not ruling anything out, be it a racial or sexual attack or an attempted robbery.

“We are keen to identify this man and I believe there were a lot of people around in the park at the time as it was a pleasant evening.”

The attack happened close to the West Park Lodge and the attacker, who was around 5ft7 and slim, wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt, walked away in the direction of Broadwalk.

Det Insp Johnston said CCTV footage was being looked at in the hope the attacker would be seen entering or leaving the park.

The attack came just days after a woman was attacked in a park near Worcester Road, Intack, although the two incidents were not believed to be linked.