A NEW appeal has been launched for information on a rape in Lancaster that happened a year ago this week.

Police, who have visited more than 3,000 addresses in the area, are now keen to trace a man believed to be a lorry driver who was seen outside the Ridge Hotel pub at around the time of the attack, shortly before 3am on Sunday, April 1.

The man may be Swedish or Dutch and it is believed he may have been staying on the Ridge estate or nearby.

Det Insp Colin Fish, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We would like to identify this man, if only for elimination purposes, and would appreciate any information that would help."

They are also investigating an anonymous tip off which suggested that the man responsible for the rape has since moved to Blackburn and travels between the two areas.

The information came from the confidential Crimestoppers line and the person who phoned in is being asked to call again or arrange for an officer to speak to them in confidence.

The victim of the rape has also spoken out, asking anyone with any information to contact police.

The woman, aged 33 at the time of the attack, cannot be named for legal reasons.

She said: "It is very important that police catch this man.

Obviously I know how dangerous he is.

No-one is safe until he is caught."

The woman says she is now trying to get on with her life as before, although she will never forget the attack.

The woman had left the Liquid nightclub on the morning of April 1 and, after buying some food at the Ali Baba takeaway on North Road before walking along North Road, Moor Lane and Moorgate.

She was attacked and raped in Moor Close, Lancaster, suffering a fractured jaw, bruising and scratches to her head and body.

The person responsible for the attack is white, male, about 5ft 8in tall, of average build with a thin face and pale complexion.

He was gaunt in appearance and had a small goatee beard, though he was otherwise clean-shaven.

His hair was mousy and untidy and he had wide eyes and small teeth.

The rapist wore a white, long-sleeved, sipped top over a collar and buttoned shirt.

He wore baggy trousers with a small check pattern, which were predominantly brown in colour and a silver ring on the little finger of his left hand.

Det Insp Fish added: "We think it quite possible that the offender could be a local man and that someone may know who he is.

"He may be someone whose behaviour changed about the time of the attack.

This renewed appeal may generate a similar reaction.

"If anyone has any suspicions about someone they know or suspect may be the offender they should contact the police on 01524 63333 or on the confidential Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111."