POLICE are following up new leads in the hunt for a savage rapist after questioning motorists and pedestrians.

The 18-year-old victim was attacked on Saturday, January 10, as she was walking home along Bolton Road just outside the town centre, after a night out in Blackburn.

She was dragged to the floor in a patch of wasteland and savagely assaulted.

Now police have revealed that they were out in force at the weekend, patrolling the area, handing leaflets to passing motorists in an effort to discover who attacked the teenager.

Inspector Steve Haworth of Blackburn CID said: "We did get some interesting information back from one or two witnesses which we will be following up."

Officers are hoping that one of the leads will help them discover the identity of the 'sexual predator' who attacked the girl.

Bolton Road is a busy high street, lined with shops and small businesses. The police are hoping that one of the many cars, taxis or pedestrians in the area at the time will lead them to the attacker.

"We were out overnight on Friday distributing notices to people because it was exactly seven days after the incident.

"We were out for half an hour or so asking drivers who were out if they had seen anything of interest," Insp Haworth added.

The attack shocked local traders. At the time of the rape, business owners in the area urged police to catch the attacker.

Shopkeepers revealed that it was the first such attack in the area in memory.

The attacker is said to be white, 23 years old, 5ft 5in tall, of stocky build and with a local accent. He was wearing a green or blue bomber jacket and a pair of blue training pants.

He was also carrying a plastic carrier bag.

Anybody with information should call the police on 01254 353569.