Man arrested after two 11-year-old girls sexually assaulted in Lancashire pedestrian underpass
A massive police hunt and urgent public appeal are underway in Lancashire after two eleven-year-old girls were allegedly sexually assaulted in broad daylight inside a busy pedestrian underpass. The horrific incident occurred between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM on Thursday in Burnley, shocking local residents and sparking immediate safety concerns across the community. Investigating officers confirmed that the victims managed to escape the scene and raise the alarm, prompting a swift emergency response.
Detectives from Lancashire Constabulary established that the assaults took place within the underpass connecting Pendle Way and Gannow Lane, as well as the surrounding Adamson Street and St Johns Street area. Following initial inquiries, police arrested a fifty-nine-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault. However, investigating teams emphasized that the inquiry remains active and ongoing as they work to identify additional individuals who may have been present in the vicinity during the attack.
Forensic officers and detective teams have spent the past forty-eight hours gathering CCTV footage and interviewing local shopkeepers and residents living near the underpass. Authorities believe several pedestrians and motorists traversed the busy thoroughfare while the crime unfolded but may not have realized its severity at the time. Detectives are particularly focused on reconstructing the suspect’s movements prior to and immediately following the assault.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police issued a direct public plea for witnesses, urging anyone with information or surveillance footage to step forward immediately. Force representatives stated that officers are seeking to identify a white male with grey hair and glasses who was observed accompanied by two young girls in the specified street locations during the one-hour timeframe.
Detectives are specifically requesting dashcam footage from drivers who passed through Pendle Way or Gannow Lane between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM, alongside private residential CCTV and doorbell recordings. Police officials reassured the public that increased high-visibility patrols have been deployed across Burnley underpasses and pedestrian walkways to offer community reassurance.
Investigators reiterated that members of the public holding relevant information should contact Lancashire Police on 101, referencing log 0899 of August 6th, or reach out anonymously via Crimestoppers. Senior officers confirmed that specialized family liaison teams are currently supporting the two young victims and their families as judicial proceedings against the suspect move forward.
