'Someone knows the Darwen rapist'

Despite a high-profile, two-month inquiry, no new leads have been uncovered by officers since the early days of the investigation into the attack.

And two witnesses seen around the Hollins area of town on Friday January 18, the day of the rape, are yet to come forward.

Police want to trace a man captured on CCTV in Sandringham Road five minutes after the attack on the 32-year-old woman.

They also want to speak to the owner of a white refrigerated van seen at the junction of Hollins Road and Blackburn Road between 9.20pm and 9.45pm the same night.

Detectives believe the men may hold the key to catching the rapist.

The woman has been receiving counselling from police family liaison officers since the assault as as she attempts move on with her life.

She was raped on her way home from Lynwood Wines, on Blackburn Road, at 9.30pm after buying washing powder.

Police said someone attracted her attention after pretending to be in distress on waste ground in Sandringham Road.

When she went to investigate she was pounced on and attacked against a parked car. In a violent struggle, she dropped the washing powder and some loose change.

Her attacker was described as white, 5ft 10in with dark, neat short hair, and wearing a pale blue shirt. He was said to have rough hands, long finger nails and full thick lips.

The investigation was scaled down in February when 16 officers, drafted into the investigation from other areas, were re-despatched.

Police have so far released CCTV footage of the area, set up road blocks, and questioned every resident around the scene of the attack, but all with little success.

Sergeant Ian Critchley, who is leading the investigation at Darwen CID, said: "I would appeal for anyone with any information, no matter who insignificant, to call the police.

"Somebody in Darwen must know this man or have information which could help us trace him."

Police can be contacted on 01254 353842.