A PROBE into the alleged rape of a clubber in Blackburn town centre has been called off after police said there was insufficient evidence.

But Detective Inspector Jim Elston said no criticism could be attached to the 17-year-old girl, who claimed she was raped in Richmond Terrace, Blackburn, early on Saturday.

A 23-year-old man arrested in connection with the allegation and released on police bail has been told no further action will be taken against him.

Det Insp Elston said the police investigation had revealed that what the girl alleged did not happened in the way she said.

The girl, from the Preston area, told police she met a man in the Grapes Hotel, Sudell Cross. She was separated from friends, who had gone to get a pizza, and said the man offered to help her find them.

But instead of heading towards the takeaways in Northgate, they went up Richmond Terrace, behind O'Neill's Irish bar, where she claimed she was raped.

Det Insp Elston said: "Following a re-interview with the girl and review of the circumstances, the matter has now been closed.

"The 23-year-old man has been released and told his obligation to return is cancelled. There will be no further action.

"It's clear from re-interviewing the girl and interviews with the arrested person, there were insufficient grounds for further investigation.

"There is no criticism attached to the girl."