A HUNT has been launched for a crazed pervert who attacked and robbed two prostitutes.

Blackburn's red-light district has now been put on full alert following the horrifying assaults which happened within a fortnight of each other.

In the first incident, the woman was forced to strip before she was raped and her "takings" - around £45 - stolen.

In the second incident, last Saturday, the man tried to run over a woman after she fought with him following a demand for cash. the woman got into the car with the man before he parked against a wall where her door could not open.

He threatened her and forced her to strip before demanding she hand over her cash.

The woman then put up a fight and managed to get out of the car. The maniac then tried to run the terrified prostitute over.

Both incidents happened in a well known haunt for prostitutes close to Blackburn ambulance station. Police have advised women who use the area to be extremely cautious.

Sergeant Geoff Rowbottom said: "To drive like this man did at someone is particularly horrifying.

"The woman was seen in a distressed state by a member of the public who alerted us.

"At this stage, we don't know if the man is a danger to the general public. If he can't get hold of a prostitute, will he have a go at someone else?"

The man was driving a blue Metro car. He is described as having very short, dark brown hair, being of proportional build and between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall.

On both occasions he wore denim jeans.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn police on 51212.

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