Police are asking for help to identify a man who they say may be able to help with their investigations, after a 17-year-old girl was reportedly raped in Burnley.

Detectives investigating the serious sexual assault have released some CCTV footage and a still image, in the hope that someone may recognise the man.

The police say that around 3.45pm on Monday, January 29, a 17-year-old girl was approached by a man on Colne Road, near to Sainsbury’s in Burnley.

She was then led to Bank Parade and Church Street where it is believed she was raped. 

Det Supt Stephen Holgate, of Lancashire Police, said: “It is imperative we identify this man as quickly as possible, which is why we are now asking again for your help.

“If you recognise him, I would urge you to get in touch.

"A team of detectives are working incredibly hard to identify the man responsible for these offences and have been doing so since the report was made.

"We are reaching out to you, the public, to assist us, and to help bring justice for the young victim.

"We know this may cause concern in the community, and you may wonder why the first you heard of our investigation was over the weekend.

"Please be re-assured our officers have been investigating and following numerous lines of enquiry since the report was made."

A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has now been opened, and people can submit any information they may have online through this link: https://orlo.uk/QK6yC

Alternatively, people can contact the police by calling 101 and quoting log 0929 of February 2, 2024.

For immediate sightings, do not approach this man, but contact 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.