A DETECTIVE leading the inquiry into the rape of a teenager two days before her 18th birthday today revealed vital information which he hoped would lead to the culprit being caught.

Detective Inspector Neil Hunter said the woman, who was attacked in her own home, revealed a possible name of the attacker during an interview with specially trained officers.

Although he admitted the name could be false, DI Hunter said it was a fact that his team of 24 officers could not ignore and was committed to following up.

And he said more officers were being drafted in due to the sheer amount of information pouring in.

DI Hunter said more than 550 inquiries were being followed up and vowed: "No stone will be left unturned in relation to catching the person responsible for this offence."

The teenager was attacked at about 9pm on Saturday, January 19, after the offender knocked on the door of her Blackburn Road home, in Great Harwood.

Last month she made an emotional appeal through the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and begged for help to "catch this monster."

DI Hunter said the victim said the possible name of the rapist during an in-depth interview with officer trained in specialised interview techniques.

He said the offender asked the victim her name during the attack and she asked him his to which he replied "Peter."

DI Hunter said: "There is the likelihood that this was a false name but we cannot ignore it and something we will give action to and follow up.

"We are asking members of the public if they have come across people and offenders who have used the false name Peter in the past.

"This is not a step we take lightly but we need to provide the public with information so they can assist us with our inquiries."

DI Hunter said the victim, who was still said to be recovering from her ordeal with the help from friends and family, was also able give police a more detailed description of her attacker.

She said he wore a black, nylon bubble jacket with a navy coloured round-necked T-shirt underneath, dark jeans and dark shoes. He was around 5ft 9ins/10ins tall, in his late 20s to early 30s and had dark hair shaved to a "number two" length.

He had a couple of days' facial growth, noticeable cheek bones and dark eyebrows. When he first knocked on her front door, he seemed to be out of breath.

The teenager also mentioned a boy, possibly about 12 or 13, who she saw as she walked along Blackburn Road towards her home, who police were keen to talk to.

DI Hunter said: "The young lady has seen this lad before, although does not know his name. He may have vital information and we would urge him, and anybody with information, to come forward. They may think it is only small but it could be important to us."

Anyone with information should call the special incident room on 01254 353711, Blackburn Police on 10254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.