A 17-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged with attempted rape following a police appeal.

An investigation was launched over the weekend after officers were alerted to an incident shortly before midnight on Friday, in which a 47-year-old woman had been attacked and robbed on Healy wood Road in Burnley.

An urgent public appeal was launched and the teenager was arrested on Saturday afternoon.

He has now been charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of possession of a bladed weapon and one count of attempted rape.

Acting Det Insp Darren Irving, from Burnley CID, said: “This incident is more than just a robbery given the sexual assault that the victim endured.

“I can’t imagine how terrified she must have been.

“She is being supported by specially trained officers.

The teenager was remanded into custody and will was due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court yesterday, Monday, December 16.

Anyone with information can call 01282 472119 quoting incident 1587 of December 13.