A TEENAGER was subjected to a serious sexual assault by three men in a car.

Police said the teenage girl got into a car in the Briercliffe Road area of Burnley and was assaulted as it was driven through streets in Burnley, Nelson and Colne.

They said the girl, 15, was subjected to a serious sexual assault in the vehicle.

Detectives are hunting three "young men" in connection with the attack.

It happened on Thursday, but officers have only just released the details.

Initially the police believed the girl had been abducted however, investigations now indicate she got into the car voluntarlity.

Detective Inspector Derek Jones, of Burnley CID, said: "We are investigating a report of a female who the victim of a serious assault.

"The girl in question was driven around the Burnley, Nelson and Colne area and during that journey she was the victim of a serious sexual assault by three young male offenders.

"It was initially reported to us as an abduction but, after investigation, we now believe she got into the car voluntarily.

"We are also making inquiries in to the assault but the details are sketchy.

"We are still seeking the offenders as we speak and have a team of detectives dedicated who have been working on the assault since Thursday."

The girl has been interviewed by trained officers and was receving support and counselling for the trauma after receiving medical attention.

Police said they were clarifiying where the girl was let out of the vehicle.

Mr Jones said he wanted to reassure the public that this type of incident was rare.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Burnley CID on 01282 472144.