A 16-year-old girl was raped at a beauty spot, police said.

The youngster was enjoying the recent good weather at a popular teen hang out in Rishton when the sexual assault took place, according to officers.

Yesterday, crime scene investigators in white suits spent hours searching the scene – a field behind Rishton paper mill, near the weir that runs between Hermitage Street and the Dunkenhalgh Hotel.

People working near the beauty spot said they were shocked that such a ‘serious’ incident had happened in such a quiet area.

One employee on a nearby industrial estate said: “The police were parked up on the main road all morning and there were people in white suits walking behind the paper mill.

“To hear that a sexual assault has happened is shocking.

“I could see the CSI people making their way behind the mill searching for evidence.

“It is usually really quiet around here.”

Rishton councillor Ken Moss said the area, which has a weir that used to power the now-disused paper mill, was a well kept secret among Rishton residents and a favourite meeting point for local teenagers.

He said: “I saw the police officers working outside the paper mill.

“I cannot recall an incident like this in the area before, especially on a child so young.

“The land near the weir is a true beauty spot and the view is lovely.

“When the weather is warm local youngsters gather in large numbers and many adults go there for a walk or to have barbecues.

“To hear this has happened is absolutely awful.

“My thoughts are with this young girl and her family. I just hope the attacker is caught quickly by the police.”

The attack took place around noon on Bank Holiday Monday, police said.

Specially trained officers are now supporting the teenager and her family.

Detectives investigating the attack are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

DI Paul Langley, of Eastern Division CID who is leading the investigation, said: “I can confirm we have received reports that a 16-year-old girl has been the victim of a sexual assault in Rishton.

“The sexual assault occurred in the field behind the disused paper mill and that is where crime scene officers have been searching.

“Currently our investigation is in the very early stages.

“I would like to reassure people that incidents of this nature are unusual and at this stage we do not believe the assault to be a stranger rape.

“I urge anyone who was in the area around midday on Bank Holiday Monday and who saw anything out of the ordinary to come forward and contact police on 101.”