A 15-YEAR-old boy has been accused of raping a girl of the same age.

Police said the girl was attacked while walking home in Accrington on a section of land known locally as The Lodge.

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has appeared before magistrates charged with rape and was remanded in custody.

Detectives are now trying to trace a woman who is thought to have gone to the girl's aid following the alleged attack.

The girl told police officers she had spoken to the woman between Cotton Street and Royds Street. The girl was visibly upset and the woman had asked her if she was alright, before walking with her for some way, police said.

Detective Sergeant Zoe Russo, of Accrington police, said: "The girl was traumatised and the woman stopped to comfort her. We are keen to trace this lady as she may have some important information for this investigation."

The Lodge is part of a two-acre section of land that is undergoing regeneration.

A multi-million pound luxury development of 55 apartments has been unveiled and the formerly overgrown site has been landscaped.

The derelict lodge has been redeveloped and restocked with fish, while the national cycle trail runs close by.

Improved lighting and landscaping has also been introduced.

Anyone with information about the alleged incident last Wednesday is asked to contact Accrington CID on 01254 353741.