A MAN has been charged with raping a 12-year-old girl.

Nelson Claudino, 26, is alleged to have "picked" up the girl in Blackburn town centre, police said.

Officers said it was claimed the youngster was taken to a Travel Lodge hotel room at Junction 4 off the M65 motorway, Darwen.

The girl as plied with Jack Daniels whisky, indecently assaulted and raped while at the hotel on Thursday evening, police said.

Claudino, a Portuguese national, faces two charges of rape, one of anal rape, detaining a child and one of indecent assault.

Claudino is in this country for custody proceedings which would have lead to him taking his son back to Portugal.

He was arrested the following morning at 9.15am.

Detective Inspector Peter Simm said: "The girl was in the company of her friend when she was approached in Blackburn town centre.

"We have obviously put a lot of resources into this investigation. It was a nasty incident involving a young girl who, although no violence was used she has been left terribly shaken by the ordeal.

"Claudino was arrested the next day at the hotel where the offences are said to have taken place."

Police said measures had been put in place to protect the girl while officers and Blackburn with Darwen Children's Services continue to support the child and her family.

Alfred Rebello, defending Claudino, did not apply for bail when his client appeared before Blackburn magistrates.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Preston Crown Court for a hearing on April 30.