A Preston man has been charged, as police investigate reports of a rape in Burnley.

Officers were called at around 3.45pm on January 29, to a report a 17-year-old girl had been approached by a man on Colne Road and led to Bank Parade and Church Street where she was allegedly raped.

On February 8, a 29-year-old man was arrested.

After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service Lewis Watson, of Hazel Grove, Preston, was charged with rape and assaulting a female by penetration.

He was remanded to appear before Blackburn Magistrates Court today (February 9).

A police spokesperson said: “Lancashire Police have charged a man after a 17-year-old girl was [allegedly] raped in Burnley.

“Our officers were called at around 3.45pm, January 29, to a report a girl had been approached by a man on Colne Road and led to Bank Parade and Church Street where she was [allegedly] raped.

“A 29-year-old man was arrested yesterday (February 8).

“After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Lewis Watson, 29, of Hazel Grove, Preston, was charged with rape and assaulting a female by penetration.

“He was remanded to appear before Blackburn Magistrates Court today (February 9).”