A MAN has been quizzed over the kidnap, assault and rape of a Blackburn woman in Ayia Napa.

The woman suffered a terrifying ordeal after leaving a nightclub in the resort.

A police spokesman said a 26-year-old man had been remanded in custody by a court for eight days for further questioning.

The man is accused of abduction, rape and causing grievous bodily harm.

The woman has undergone extensive surgery at Larnaca General Hospital where her condition is described as serious.

Spokesman for the British High Commission Stuart Summers said police presence in the resort was high and Cyprus was still a safe place to visit for tourists.

"Generally, it has been fairly quiet this season. We've not had many incidents when compared with places such as Faliraki.

"This is the first rape case we have dealt with. We hope this is an isolated incident."

Eight complaints were made to police about alleged sexual assaults last season in Ayia Napa and a further ten unofficial complaints have been made this year.

Alex Mitta of the Cyprus Mail newspaper said: "We had sexual assaults last year but nothing as serious as this -- this seems to be a really brutal attack."

Most travel guides say crime is low in Cyprus.

Foreign office travel advice says: "Crimes against tourists are rare.

"Visitors should, however, safeguard passports, money and other valuables by using hotel safety deposit boxes. Travellers are not generally at risk."

This summer a spate of sexual attacks have been reported in the Greek resort of Faliraki, Rhodes and Corfu.

A 13-year-old Scottish girl was raped while on holiday with her parents in Corfu just a week ago, after being lured to a remote spot.

The Foreign office says five alleged rapes against British nationals have been reported on Corfu in the last three months.

It is warning Britons planning to travel to the island, particularly young women, to take the same precautions when travelling as they would in the UK.

Concerns have been raised in recent weeks about safety on Corfu and other Greek islands, which are havens for thousands of British sunseekers each year.

Allegations have also been made that authorities have been withholding rape statistics because of fears about their effect on tourism.