DETECTIVES said a 66-year-old woman attacked at home last weekend was raped – and they warned the intruder could strike again.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Brooks has asked for the public’s help in identifying the prime suspect, and yesterday issued CCTV footage of his final known movements before the shocking attack.

Det Ch Insp Brooks urged family and friends of the man to put aside any loyalties and contact police immediately. Officers are linking the serious sexual assault, which happened at a house in Talbot Street, Colne, at around 4.15am on Sunday, to two other incidents in Pendle.

Police said the man got into the victim’s house through an open window and confronted her in her bedroom. He grabbed the woman by the face, tried to remove some of her clothes and then subjected her to the assault.

Det Chf Insp Brooks said an incident room had been set up at Burnley Police Station and officers would be patrolling in Pendle. He also said it was believed the attack was opportunistic and warned residents to keep windows locked.

Det Chf Insp Brooks said: “This is the man we believe is responsible. We have got strong evidence in relation to the offence. We just need a name.

“We have had forensic experts at the scene and that evidence has been gathered and we just need the public to have a look at this footage and tell us who he is.

“This was an extremely shocking, predatory and sinister attack on a woman who should have been safe in her own home.

“We continue to have specially- trained officers supporting her through this difficult time.

“Images of the suspect have been distributed across the force and as yet nobody has recognised him.

“That suggests he may have travelled in to the area to commit this crime.

“I would urge that family members or friends of this man to put any loyalties to one side and help us get justice for this extremely vulnerable victim.

“This man is extremely dangerous. There are two other incidents we are investigating which may all be linked. If it is the same individual then the level of offending is escalating. Therefore there is a strong possibility if he is not caught he may well commit further offences.”

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The attacker is described as possibly Asian, in his late twenties, between 5ft 2ins to 5ft 5ins tall with a moustache and facial stubble. He was wearing a baseball cap with a motif on the front and peak that was lighter than the rest of the hat, a dark jacket and white Nike trainers with red laces.

In the CCTV footage the man is seen outside the Commercial Hotel, Skipton Road, Colne, at around 10pm on Saturday night. He is seen talking to three people and asking for a lighter.

He lights a cigarette before handing it back and walking towards the Union Exchange in Market Street and the Market Street Tavern.

Det Chf Insp Brooks said the first incident took place at a house in Hawthorne Grove, Barrowford, at 5.40am on July 23 when a 70-year-old woman woke to find a man standing over her bed. He left when she shouted at him.

The second incident took place on August 13 at a property in Bispham Road, Nelson, when a 49-year-old woman woke to see a man standing over her and when she shouted at him to leave he ran from the house.

The offender in both incidents is thought to have climbed in through unlocked windows.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident reference LC-20161009-0269.