CLAIMS are being investigated that a woman was raped in Blackburn.

The incident, during which the victim also had her handbag stolen, took place around 1am at the rear of King Street near to the town centre.

The 28-year-old victim was later seen arguing with two men near to the Shell garage before both men walked off down Harrison Street.

During the altercation a passer-by assisted the woman by telephoning the police and police officers are appealing for this witness to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Simon Upton said: “An investigation is underway into the circumstances of what has happened but there were a number of people that came out of the petrol garage at the time the argument was taking place and I would like to speak to these people.

“If you were in the vicinity of the garage at around 1am on Wednesday morning or witnessed two men arguing with a woman please contact Lancashire police on 101.”

A 20-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of rape and theft and a 19-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of theft.

Both men are on police bail until September 2.