DETECTIVES were today stepping up efforts to trace a man seen following a teenage rape victim just minutes before she was attacked.

Police said a couple walking home had seen a man walking just behind the victim. They believe he may be a key witness who can give them information on the attack.

The 18-year-old woman was attacked by a man who knocked on the front door and forced his way into her home in Blackburn Road, Great Harwood at about 9pm on Saturday.

The man seen near the pub was white, in his 20s or early 30s, with several days beard growth, wearing a white baseball cap and a dark jacket, possibly made of reflective material, with the word Umbro on the back.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to ring Great Harwood CID on 01254 353341 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.