OFFICERS investigating the rape of an 18-year-old woman in Great Harwood are to question motorists and pedestrians in a road block to be set up exactly a week after the offence took place.

Police will be in Blackburn Road between 8pm and 10pm tonight to question people who may have been in the area at the same time last week.

The victim was attacked in her own home at 9pm after she had walked home from work in the town.

The man struck when she answered the front door of the house and forced his way into the property.

Police are investigating the possibility that the attacker may have been stalking the teenager after it was revealed that a man matching his description had been seen in the area close to her house several times in the past month.

Det Insp Neil Hunter, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We will be in Blackburn Road for the week anniversary of the attack checking all pedestrians and motorists who could have been in the area at the same time last week and who may hold vital information we need.

"We will be stopping people between 8pm and 10pm along with officers from the road policing unit and support teams in a bid to trace regular users of the road."

DI Hunter urged motorists using the road to pay special attention to their speed.

He said: "Blackburn Road is considered to be a fast road by some motorists and I would urge people to take special care as officers, other motorists and members of the public will be in the area.

"We are hoping to gather as much information as we can but our primary concern is for public safety."