Rape probe scaled down

They have scaled down their investigation but still want to trace two witnesses seen in the Hollins area of the town on Friday January 18 around the time of the rape.

Acting Detective Inspector Jim Elston said that as time went on it was becoming harder to trace these two men, but added they were still determined to catch the rapist.

Four detectives based at Darwen CID are now investigating the rape.

A further 16 officers drafted in from other areas have resumed their other duties.

So far, police have released CCTV footage of the area, set up road blocks, and questioned every resident in the area around the scene of the attack.

But DI Elston said: "There have been no further positive developments. The information we gathered has been researched but we haven't had positive progress to an arrest - that doesn't mean we won't in the future. The case is still open."

He added the 32 year-old victim was still receiving support from a family liaison officer and a female police officer.

He said: "She is resuming her life and moving forward, which she has to do."

She was raped on her way home from Lynwood Wines, on Blackburn Road, at 9.30pm after buying washing powder.

Police said she heard the sounds of someone in distress on waste ground in Sandringham Road and when she went to investigate she was attacked against a parked car.

She put up a violent struggle, dropping the washing powder and some loose change in the process.

Her attacker was described as white, 5ft 10in with dark, neat short hair, and wearing a pale blue shirt. He was said to have rough hands, long finger nails and full thick lips.

Police want to trace a man captured on CCTV in Sandringham Road five minutes after the attack.

They also want to speak to the owner of a white refrigerated van seen at the junction of Hollins Road and Blackburn Road between 9.20pm and 9.45pm on the night of the attack.

Anyone with information should call Darwen CID on 01254 353842.