POLICE hunting a rapist were today painstakingly reviewing CCTV footage in the hope of a breakthrough in the case.

Officers were sifting through hours of film from domestic, business and council cameras from Bolton Road, Blackburn, following the rape of an 18-year-old woman in the early hours of Saturday.

She was approached from behind, before being grabbed and dragged on to the floor on waste land near the street, which is lined with small businesses.

Today, Det Insp Simon Giles, of Blackburn CID, said: "We have had some good response from people who have seen the articles in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and heard about it on the radio, but there is nothing fresh to date.

"We are reviewing the CCTV, which may reveal something. There is footage from a variety of sources and there is a great deal work going into it."

The 18-year-old woman, who was heading home after becoming separated from her boyfriend and friends following a night out in the town centre, is receiving support from specialist police officers.

DI Giles added: "She is traumatised and has suffered shock. She is coming to terms with it and has got a good support network with her friends and family."

The woman was attacked at the back of William Wilson Electrical Supplies. She had been in Utopia nightclub, in Lord Square and had set off home along Bolton Road at 1.45am.

Police yesterday warned women not to walk alone at night following the incident.

Anyone with information should call Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.