DETECTIVES leading the hunt for a violent rapist today praised the public for helping their inquiries and released new information in an attempt to jog even more memories.

Police said phone lines had been bombarded with information and reports of possible sightings after witness appeals issued through the press.

The attack happened near Lee Street, Burnley, on Saturday, January 10 when the victim was approached at a bus stop by a youth who tried to engage her in conversation.

He punched her in the face, leaving her confused, before dragging her down a grass verge between Maris Court and Pheasantford Green, where he raped her.

Police said he fled the scene and the victim managed to stumble back to the main road and flag down a passing police car.

DC Rachel Waine said: "We have had a good response from the public following recent media coverage. People have informed us of possible sightings that we are currently following up.

"We still need to speak to people who were in the area on the night of the attack, no matter how small they think their information might be."

In a bid to jog more memories of people who may have seen the incident, police have revealed that the victim was wearing blue jeans, white trainers, a black coat and a beige, woolly hat.

DC Waine added: "Because the light-coloured hat was striking, it may spark someone's memory. We would urge anyone who hasn't yet spoken to us to get in touch."

The offender is described as Asian, aged between 19 and 20, of muscular build with a plumpish face.

He is between 5ft 9ins and 6ft tall with short hair which was shaved at the sides and wore a blue, thick ,sports jacket, dark tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Anyone with information should contact DC Waine or DC Paul Hanson at Burnley CID on 01282 472240 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.