THE rape of a teenage girl in Morecambe, the latest in a string of sex attacks that have rocked the resort, has led police to issue a warning to women. At the weekend an 18-year-old tourist was raped and her 16-year-old friend indecently assaulted by two men driving round the town in a van. The latest terrifying sex attack is the fourth in the resort in a month and police have warned women not to go out alone at night.

"We don't want to unnecessarily frighten people but we would advise them to be careful," said police spokeswoman, Michelle Hollywood. "There's been a spate of sex attacks in Morecambe recently but at this stage we are not connecting them. We would advise women to be more aware and to go out at night with a partner or friends. Also, if anyone has been approached in a threatening way they should contact the police."

In the latest incident the two teenagers from Wigan had gone to Morecambe for a Saturday night out.

The teenagers are said to have accepted a lift from three men in a van after asking the way to a nightclub.

Police say the younger girl was indecently assaulted as the van was driven away.

At one point the van stopped away from the town centre and the 18-year-old was then raped in the back of the vehicle. Police say the 16-year-old was indecently assaulted again before the van drove off once more. It stopped shortly afterwards when both girls managed to escape and raise the alarm.

The two girls were on a residential weekend at Borwick Hall, Carnforth, organised by Wigan Council's Youth Services. It is understood they travelled to Morecambe as part of a group before being parted from their friends.

A youth services spokesman said: "We are very concerned by what has happened and are endeavouring to find out from the police exactly what has gone on. We will help with any support or counselling that the girls may need."

This latest attack is the fourth in recent weeks. Four weeks ago a 17-year-old was raped in Balmoral Road and then a 35-year-old woman fought off a sexual attack on the promenade. Last week a man attempted to rape a 24-year-old as she made her way home.

On going to press the police confirmed that a 15-year-old boy had been arrested and charged with rape and indecent assault and a 17-year-old charged with indecent assault in connection with the latest attack. A third youngster had been released after questioning. The boys are said to be from the Morecambe area. They appeared at Lancaster Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.