POLICE have dramatically halted their hunt for a brutal rapist after discovering that the alleged attack on a 40-year-old woman never took place.

Detectives in Blackburn are now seeking the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service about possible action against the woman who made the allegations.

The 40-year-old woman told officers she was attacked by a man who jumped into her car when she pulled up at traffic lights on Darwen Street, Blackburn at 10pm last Tuesday.

It was alleged that the man forced her to drive into a nearby alleyway before subjecting her to a brutal assault.

Detectives appealed for help from the public in tracking down the attacker, issued an artist's impression, and studied security camera film in a bid to identify him.

But today Acting Detective Chief Inspector Neil Smith said: "As a result of extensive police inquiries and further interviews with the alleged victim, the inquiry has now been closed.

"We are now seeking the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service as to what further action should be taken."

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Smith thanked members of the public for their help during the inquiry which involved more than 20 officers and lasted over a week.

He said: "As a result of our inquiries together with help from the public we were able to establish that the offence hasn't taken place.

"But I would like to thank those people who contacted us and their information has been valuable during the course of this inquiry."

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