A WOMAN was threatened with a knife and sexually assaulted after accepting a lift from a man, police have revealed.

The 25-year-old woman was attacked in a car which was parked up in Under Billinge Lane, Blackburn, after being driven a short distance from Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn.

Police said that the driver had threatened the woman with a knife shortly after she agreed to get into his vehicle.

After the assault the woman managed to escape from the car and raised the alarm.

She has been left "extremely traumatised" by the attack, which occurred at approximately 11.30pm on Tuesday November 26.

Police have issued a description of the attacker and have appealed for any witnesses who saw the woman get into the car to come forward.

They also want to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle make its way to Under Billinge Lane via Wensley Road, Buncer Lane and Billinge Avenue.

Detective Inspector Mick Cross, who is leading the investigation, said: "She has been left extremely traumatised by the incident.

"She was not dragged into the vehicle, it was not something that might have attracted attention to her.

"It might be that someone saw what took place and thought it was a little strange.

"We would also ask if anyone has seen this vehicle to come forward. That would be extremely useful for us."

The car is described as a medium-sized saloon car, which was dark coloured, possibly black. It is believed that the first letter of the registration is a P' or an R'.

Police said that the attacker was a white male, aged in his 30s, 5ft 8in to 9in tall, of slim build and with short black hair. He was wearing dark coloured clothing and jeans.

Det Insp Cross added: "This is an isolated incident. It is not the type of thing we deal with every day."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on (0800) 555 111 or Blackburn police on (01254) 51212.