POLICE today stepped up their hunt for the Burnley rapist after a woman managed to fight off a similar attacker.

A 39-year-old woman was walking home along Padiham Road, Burnley, at 2.20am on Saturday, close to the scene of a rape exactly three weeks earlier, when she was grabbed from behind.

She was strong enough to fight him off and police are appealing for information about anyone who returned home on Saturday with scratch marks to his face.

It may be that the rapist is living rough and police also want to hear about anyone who is living in a shed, garage or barn in the area. They believe the attacker may have been the man who subjected a teenager to a brutal rape ordeal in an alleyway alongside the Manor Barn pub in the early hours of April 24.

Saturday's attack happened near to the junction with Anglesey Avenue.

Detective Chief Inspector Irene Wilson said: "We are looking at the possibility that the attacker may have been the man who committed the rape near to the Manor Barn, the circumstances are similar.

"We think the man lives locally and that he has been in hiding in the area waiting prior to her returning home.

"Fortunately this time the intended victim was strong enough to fight him off. She was not badly hurt but was badly frightened.'' The 18-year-old rape victim is said to be still badly traumatised. She has heard news of the latest attack which has brought all her fears to the surface again.

Saturday's victim has described her attacker as being 5ft 6ins or above with dark hair.

Police want to hear from anyone with information about either incident.

DCI Wilson said: "We especially want to hear about anyone who was out at that time on Saturday morning who returned home with an injury, possibly scratch marks, to his face.''

Anyone who can help inquiries is asked to contact the incident room at Burnley police station on 01282 425001.

Crimestoppers have already offered a £500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the rapist. Information in confidence can be sent on 0800 55511.

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