'Do not approach' warning as Lancashire Police issue appeal to trace man after reported rape in Blackpool
“We know this may be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that we have a dedicated team of officers investigating this and have uniformed officers patrolling the area.”
Blackpool Police have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to as part of an investgation into an alleged rape.
And they have issued a warning not to approach him if he is seen.
Lancashire Police said: “The man pictured is Benjamin Harker and we urgently need to speak to him about a report of a rape we have received.
“We received the report on July 3 that a woman had been raped in the Spencer Court area of Blackpool.
“Enquiries are ongoing, and following initial enquiries, we need to speak to him.”
The man is 32, 5ft 10in tall with short brown hair and green eyes. He has a tattoo on his chest, a scar on the back of his head and a birth mark on his shoulder.
“We are also appealing for any information, footage or witnesses who could aid our enquiries,” said the police.
“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Spencer Court area at around midnight.
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“We know this may be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that we have a dedicated team of officers investigating this and have uniformed officers patrolling the area.
“If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to approach them.
“If you see Harker, please don’t approach him, but instead call 999 as soon as you can.
“If you have information or footage that could assist our enquiries, please call 101 quoting log 0113 of 3rd July.”