A WOMAN was seriously ill in hospital with head injuries today after staggering to a friend's house and saying: "I've been raped."

Police are investigating the incident, which happened in the Livesey Branch Road area of Blackburn.

The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was today in a serious but stable condition at the Royal Preston Hospital after undergoing surgery to treat a blood clot on her brain.

Detectives are questioning a 16-year-old youth about the alleged sex assault, which is alleged to have taken place at the woman's house on Friday night.

Police forensic teams have carried out a detailed search of the woman's house.

Detective Inspector Bob Eastwood, who is leading the inquiry, said the investigation was at an early stage and it was too soon to say exactly how the woman had received her injuries.

He added: "A woman is serious but stable in hospital after an operation two nights ago. A team of detectives has been set up and are inquiring into the circumstances of the case. A 16-year-old youth is being interviewed."