THE victim of a brutal rape in Lancaster has warned women that they are risking their safety by walking home late at night.

The woman had her first night out in the city centre with her family last week, and was extremely concerned to see many women not following police warnings.

She said: "In April I decided to walk home alone after having a good night out and that is when my nightmare began, I was raped by a male who I would class as extremely dangerous. I will never forget what he did to me.

"The offender has not been caught and I am appealing for anybody with any information to contact the police in order that you or somebody you know is not the next victim."

Police have issued safety advice to young women walking around at night. They are advised to carry an attack alarm (for sale from Lancaster police station) and/or a mobile phone.

Women should also stick to well lit routes, avoid short cuts through dark alleys, parks of across waste ground and, better still, either walk home in a group or take a taxi.

If women believe they are being followed, they should cross the road and head for a place where there are people. They should avoid going to phone boxes as they may be trapped.

Police have also advised women to book a taxi before going out so they can avoid a long wait late at night.