DETECTIVES investigating the rape of a Burnley teenager today renewed their appeal for information.

Thirty officers are still working on the case a month after the 18-year-old girl was attacked.

But despite a £500 reward and repeated pleas for information the rapist remains at large.

It was after 1.30am on Saturday, April 24, that the victim was grabbed, marched 150 yards from Middlesex Avenue to an alleyway near to the Manor Barn pub and raped.

Last Saturday at 2.20am a 38-year-old woman was attacked in the same area near to Anglesey Avenue, but managed to fight off her attacker. She was wearing a ring and police believe she may have caused a scratch to his face.

Police believe the man has local knowledge and may be living rough in the area.

He is said to smell strongly of body odour and stale cigarettes.

An artist's impression of a sex attacker who dragged a 16-year-old girl to the ground in Wellfield Drive in the same area of town last August has also been re-released.

Police have renewed their appeal for information especially about anyone living rough in the Padiham Road area or anyone who may have returned home on Saturday last with a cut to his face.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact the incident room on 01282 425001 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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