SENIOR detectives were today hoping a Crimewatch reconstruction of the rape of a Great Harwood teenager would help catch the attacker.

A team of more than 24 detectives, led by Det Insp Neil Hunter, have been investigating the case for the last three months based at a special incident room in Accrington.

And Hyndburn MP Greg Pope today urged people in the community to tune in to Crimewatch tonight to help police trace the attacker.

The rapist forced his way into the teenager's home in Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, and threatened to harm her if she resisted.

The attack happened at about 9pm on Saturday January 19 as the victim returned home from work in the town.

Police said they were hoping for the public's help with several new lines of enquiry and appeals on the TV show including:

Did anybody see a man matching the descriptions of the attacker in the Blackburn Road area at around 9.30-9.45pm?

During the conversation with the victim the attacker called himself Peter. Although police say it may be a false Christian name it may have some significance, for example a middle name

The attacker said he was a double-glazing salesman to engage the victim in conversation. Police say it could have been used in other crimes or may mean the attacker has some connection with the industry

A few weeks before the attack an unidentified man was seen watching the victim's home. He was seen getting into a small hatchback car, possibly a pale red old-style Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Nova under a street light at the junction of Shakespeare Avenue and Hanson Street

Witnesses saw a man follow the victim just before the rape. He was described as wearing a black puffa jacket with the word Umbro stitched in white on the rear and used a light blue Nokia mobile phone.

Police also appealed for any women with suspicions about a partner or relative to come forward for DNA tests to help eliminate them from the enquiries.

Det Insp Hunter said: "The aim of going on Crimewatch is to increase the profile of the enquiry both regionally and nationally. We cannot ignore the possibility that the offence was committed by someone not local to the area or who left the area after the offence. The Crimewatch programme is the best possible vehicle to encourage people to come forward and help us catch this man."

Mr Pope said: "I urge people to watch Crimewatch and see if it jogs their memories."

Anybody with information should contact police on 01254 353 353 or on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111. Crimewatch is on BBC1, at 9.30pm.