POLICE are trying to trace a man who could hold the key to snaring the Darwen rapist.

The man was captured on CCTV running away from Sandringham Road - where the rape took place - five minutes after the attack.

Officers believe he could hold vital clues and have urged him to come forward to help with their investigations.

The 32-year-old victim was attacked on wasteground at 9.30pm last Friday.

The woman was raped as she returned home from buying washing powder at Linwood Wines, Blackburn Road.

Police said she heard the sounds of someone in distress on wasteground, in Sandringham Road, and went to investigate when she was attacked.

Acting Detective Inspector Jim Elston said: "These video stills are very significant and we urgently need to trace this man.

"There may be a perfectly innocent explanation as to why he is in the vicinity of the offence around the time it occurred, but he is a potential witness and we need to identify him to eliminate him from our inquiries."

The pictures were taken from CCTV footage taken at around 9.35pm in Hollins Road.

Mr Elston said the inquiry team was also keen to talk to a man who passed the running figure and got into a white refrigerated van that drove off in the direction of Blackburn Road. Both men were 50 yards away from the crime scene.

Mr Elston said: "These two men may be help the police with our inquiries. I would urge both to contact us as soon as possible, in complete confidence. I would also appeal to anyone who know their identity or saw a man running in the area at the time to come forward."

The attacker was described as about 5ft 10in tall with dark neat short hair and prominent lips. He was wearing a pale shirt.

Police still want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have heard or seen the attack. An incident room has been set up at Darwen Police Station on 01254 353830 or they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are not linking it to the rape of an 18-year-old at her Great Harwood home, 24 hours later.