A WOMAN was nearly forced into bushes after being attacked while walking her dog along the River Calder.

The 56-year-old woman was grabbed by a man near to Fulledge Recreation Ground at 10.45am on Friday.

He tried to force her down the banking and into the bushes, but the attacker was fought off by her dog and he left the scene.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Bithell, from Burnley CID, said: “There were a lot of schoolchildren and workmen around at that time and we are hoping that somebody saw where the man went and can offer us some useful information.”

The man is described as white, in his mid 20s, with brown hair and smelling of body odour.

Anybody with any information can contact the police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.