Police have released details of three men they are hunting in connection with the rape of a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Blackpool earlier this year.

The schoolgirl was assaulted on the evening of May 17 after calling at a Promenade fast food outlet to ask if it had toilets. She was then taken by three men in a car to another property in the area and subjected to what police described as a 'sustained sexual assault' involving four men.

The men police want to quiz, Hana Zana Sahli, Karim Faraidon Nzar and Taha Abdullah, who are said to have a history of working in fast food outlets and may be working in similar businesses in Blackpool or elsewhere.

Police are particularly keen to speak to any members of the Iraqi Kurd community who may have spoken to the men since the incident who may not be aware that police are seeking the men.

Det Insp Andy Webster, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We are looking for the public's help in tracing the whereabouts of these three men. This was a nasty attack on a vulnerable person and we urge anybody with any information that may assist the inquiry to come forward and contact us.

"The victim is slowly coming to terms with the attack with the support of family, friends and support groups. She is in regular contact with her police liaison officer but the incident has naturally had an enormous impact on her life and her confidence to go out alone.

"These types of incidents are extremely rare. We would re-enforce the advice to anybody, whether young children, men or women about getting into cars or going into houses with people they don't know. The simple advice is, if you don't know the people, and don't feel comfortable, don't do it."

Members of the public with information can contact Blackpool Police on 01253 293933 or call the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.