POLICE today launched hunt for a rapist after a 19-year-old girl was viciously attacked in Nelson.

The teenager had left the Blueberries nightspot in the early hours of Friday with the 24-year-old man she had met in the club.

Minutes later he had pushed her into an alleyway off nearby Brunswick Street and carried out the assault, say police.

The terrified girl broke free and ran up Brunswick Street, screaming and banging on house doors as her attacker again pursued her.

He caught the girl at the Old Pavilion at Walverden Park where he again assaulted her.

Det Inspector Clive Tattum said the teenager again screamed and the attacker ran away.

She was then able to make her way home where she immediately raised the alarm.

Det Inspector Tattum said the victim was not physically hurt but she was very upset and shaken.

Police are anxious to trace anyone who may have seen or heard anything between 2.40am - 4.30am on Friday morning.

He said police were satisfied the young woman had been the subject of the serious assault behind the Pendle Training headquarters in Brunswick Street.

The teenager had visited several public houses in Nelson with friends before going to the night club at about 11pm on Thursday night.

"We are very anxious to trace this man and we would appreciate any help the public can give us.

He added the well spoken man did not have a local accent and may have come from the South.

He is described as 6ft 1in tall, white, clean shaven and slim build.

He had pronounced cheekbones and short dark hair in a Paul Gascoigne style.

Anyone with information should call the police incident room on Colne 01282 863161.

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