A TEENAGER is recovering after being subjected to what detectives have described as a serious sex attack on the edge of the town centre.

Police say the 18-year-old victim was walking home, at around 12.40am on bank holiday Monday, when she noticed she was being followed.

As she walked along Brick Street, past James Lee House hostel, she was subjected to a serious sexual assault.

The attacker was disturbed by hostel residents and fled.

Her attacker ran off towards the town centre, along Fennel Street towards Buttermarket Street.

He is believed to be of mixed race or Asian, stocky, with short dark hair. He was wearing a black t-shirt and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Karl Holmes, who is leading the hunt, said: "If this man had not been disturbed we could have had a rape on our hands."

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw a man, fitting the description, following a young woman to come forward.

Detectives think someone may also have seen the man fleeing the Brick Street area shortly after the assault and are also seeking help from them.

Police say a man was arrested in connection with the attack but released without charge.

Contact DC Holmes, of Warrington CID, on 01244 613836.