DETECTIVES have been relieved to learn that forensic evidence from one of the county's biggest rape inquiries escaped the blaze which badly damaged a science laboratory.

Information from scores of criminal cases investigated by Lancashire police was put in jeopardy by an arson attack on the premises, in Wetherby, North Yorkshire.

There were fears that information and forensic data from the 13-month-old Billinge Wood rape inquiry in Blackburn might have been destroyed. Scores of samples were taken to Wetherby during the hunt for the rapist, who subjected a 22-year-old woman to a terrifying ordeal after pouncing as she walked her dog on October 8 last year.

But officers have now been told that all information relating to the inquiry is safe.

Detective Inspector Mick Gradwell of Blackburn CID said: "Initially there were fears that valuable information could have been destroyed.

"This would have created problems for us but we are now relieved that everything is O.K."

The Wetherby lab was badly damaged after being targeted by the "determined and prolonged" arson attack.

The lab is one of seven in the country run by the Home Office forensic science service.

It analyses blood and DNA samples taken by Lancashire officers during investigations into rape and other serious crimes.

Nine holes were drilled into the side of the lab and a garden pump was used to put gallons of petrol inside.

Police believe a mortar-type firework was then thrown inside to start the blaze, which affected around a tenth of the building.

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