A WOMAN was kidnapped and sexually assaulted before being thrown from a moving car.

Detectives said the 27-year-old victim was walking towards the M65 along the Grane Road near Belthorn at about 3am on Saturday after an argument with her boyfriend.

A dark coloured saloon pulled up next to her and she was bundled into the back of the vehicle by four Asians.

The car then drove off at speed along the motorway towards the roundabout at Guide, turning into Roman Road, Blackburn.

Police said the girl was then seriously sexually assaulted before being thrown from the car outside the Blackamoor pub, in Roman Road.

A passing taxi driver saw the girl, stopped, and took her home where she reported the attack to the police.

Detectives are now hunting the four men in the saloon car and say they are also keen to talk to the samaritan taxi driver.

The victim, from Blackburn, had gone to a house in Belthorn after a night out in Blackburn.

Det Sgt Paul Withers, of Blackburn CID, said: "This was a callous and brutal attack and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this vehicle or have any information at all about the offence.

"We are also keen to trace the taxi driver who found the girl and took her home to see if he can give us any further details."

Anyone with information should call Darwen CID on 01254 353843 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.