DETECTIVES have taken DNA samples to help track down a rapist who attacked a woman after luring her into a car by offering her a lift.

DNA matching could also be used to eliminate innocent suspects during the investigation into the attack, which happened as the woman was walking home from Burnley to Colne.

Detective Inspector Steve Brunskill said: "Should anyone have any suspicions about any person who they suspect is responsible for this offence we would like to hear from them.

"We will be able to eliminate that person easily with the evidence we already have."

It is believed the car involved was a hire vehicle. Officers are checking with hire companies to try and trace the car and whoever hired it. Its registration number started V608 or V609 and the car is light-coloured. It has a distinctive cream-coloured interior. The woman was unable to tell police its make or model. The rapist sounded his horn at the woman to attract her attention as she walked past the Powerhouse gym in Burnley Road, Brierfield, around 9pm last Wednesday.

When she ignored him he drove alongside the woman, who is in her early 30s, and began talking to her.

After initially refusing his offer of a lift home, the woman relented and got into the car.

She was driven to an unknown remote spot and raped before being left in Gill Street, Colne, at around 10.30pm.

Her attacker is an Asian man, in his late 20s or early 30s, medium build with short flicked-back hair, possibly gelled. He was wearing a light coloured sweatshirt and brown combat-style trousers with pockets on the side. He spoke good English with a local accent. Anyone with any information about the attack is asked to contact the incident room at Colne police station on 01282 472509 or 472412 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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