Woman 'raped on Blackpool seafront'

The incident was reported to have happened on Blackpool Promenade, near the Sea Life Centre, at 4.15am on August 19.

Police are trying to trace a group of people who approached the victim, who was visiting the resort from Sunderland, outside Coral Island at around 3.40am, 35 minutes before the alleged attack.

It is believed the passers-by offered to help the woman, and a car also pulled over to check on her.

Police also want to speak to a taxi driver who took the woman to an address on Dean Street after 4.15am.

DC Bev Thomas from Blackpool CID said: “We are urgently trying to find these people who we want to speak to as potential witnesses.

“If you saw this girl in the area of the Promenade around Coral Island or Madame Tussauds, please call us as soon as possible as you could have vital information to assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Blackpool CID on 01253 604141 or 604153 quoting the log number LC-20180830-0585. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.