A CASH reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man who raped a teenager in Burnley.

The 18-year-old girl is still severely traumatised more than a week after she was dragged down an alleyway and subjected to the sex ordeal.

The incident happened between 1.30am and 2.15am on Saturday, April 24 when the terrified teenager was snatched from Middlesex Avenue, Burnley, and taken more than 150 yards along a busy main road to the alleyway near the Manor Barn public house.

The officer leading the inquiry Detective Chief Inspector Irene Wilson said they were looking for information to identify the man seen by a number of witnesses in the area.

Information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 is dealt with in complete anonymity. The £500 reward can be paid through any nominated bank without a name ever being revealed.

Police believe the rapist lives locally and has knowledge of the area and have warned that he could attack again.

They also believe he is likely to have committed earlier offences of indecent exposure or indecent assault and are asking victims who did not report any previous incidents to contact the police incident room.

The girl had been out in Burnley town centre with friends. When they became separated she decided to return home alone by taxi.

She was dropped off in Middlesex Avenue at 1.30am. She was waiting to meet up with her friends there when she was attacked. Police want to hear from anyone who saw either a woman alone in the Middlesex Avenue area of Burnley at about 1.30am that morning or a man and a woman between there and the alleyway alongside the Manor Barn pub to get in touch.

Vehicles travelling along the road at the same time this weekend were stopped by police who interviewed drivers and passengers.

The attacker is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, 5ft 8 to 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build with short, dark hair and stubble on his chin.

He was wearing dark clothing and black shoes. He smelled strongly of body odour and cigarettes.

People with information can ring police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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