Although the incidents were similar, Nelson CID officers are not linking the two at this stage.

The first took place about 7-40 a.m. last Tuesday, when a 17-year-old girl was walking along Thomas Street, near the junction of Wilkinson Street, Nelson.

She was approached by a lone Asian man, said to be in his early 20s, of slim build and 5ft. 8in. to 5ft 9in. in height. He had short hair which appeared to be gelled. He wore either a bright blue-coloured top and white pants or vice versa. The man approached the victim from behind and touched her in an indecent manner.

The second incident occurred between 9 p.m. and 9-15 p.m. on the same day when another 17-year-old girl was waiting to be collected from Nelson and Colne College in Scotland Road.

As she was standing outside the Eye Centre Opticians in Gisburn Road, Barrowford, she was approached by a man who took hold of her by the arms and touched her in an inappropriate manner.

Her assailant is also said to be Asian, aged 18 or 19, 5ft. 8in. tall and of slim build. His hair was cut short to the sides and longer on top. He is described as having "big wide eyes" and being clean shaven. He was wearing a black hip-length leather jacket, with a light top underneath and dark denim jeans.

The youth was carrying a dark blue A4 size folder and clear plastic bag tied with decorative gold ribbon containing cakes, which he offered the girl during the incident.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incidents or anyone who may be able to provide information about the men. Contact DC Wendy McCoy at Nelson CID on 472645 or on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.