TWO men have been arrested in connection with the alleged abduction and rape of a 12-year-old girl.

The youngster is said to have been attacked in a car parked in Barden Road, Accrington, at around 6.30am on Saturday morning.

Police said the girl, who is from the Blackburn area, is being helped through her ordeal by officers from the Engage team, which works with children and teenagers who have been groomed for sexual exploitation.

Officers became involved after a young friend of the girl alerted them to the situation.

On Monday a 27-year-old man from the Accrington area was arrested on suspicion of child abduction and rape, while a 24-year-old man, also from Accrington, was arrested on suspicion of child abduction.

The Engage team was set up early this year and includes members from the police, council, the Blackburn with Darwen Safeguarding Children Board and other young people's organisations.

Engage is a successor to the police campaign, Operation Engage, which targeted teenagers who were being groomed into sexual exploitation.

The issue has been highlighted in the Lancashire Telegraph's high profile Keep Them Safe campaign, which began in 2006 and raised the issue of older men grooming young girls by giving them presents, alcohol and drugs in return for sex.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have information about the alleged incident to come forward.

DI Jill Johnston, Blackburn Police, said: "These inquiries form part of our multi-agency Engage project and we are offering support to both the girl and her family.

"We would like to reassure the public that we are treating this incident very seriously and have dedicated resources in order to specifically target those suspected of grooming and exploiting children.

"I would urge anyone who may have seen anything on Saturday to contact the police."

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesperson added: "The police, council and other agencies working under the umbrella of Engage will continue to target anyone suspected of exploiting children as well as concentrating on the prevention and protection aspects of the team's work.”

Information can be passed to officers by contacting them on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone with concerns about the sexual exploitation of a youngster can contact the Engage team on 01254 267790.