A TEENAGER has been found guilty of raping two schoolgirls.

Kasim Hussain grabbed a 15-year-old and forced her down a secluded alleyway near to Darwen railway line.

The early evening attack happened as the girl, who did not know Hussain, was walking home on April 25, Preston Crown Court heard.

Five weeks after the first attack Hussain struck again, this time raping a 14-year-old girl in Bold Venture Park, Darwen.

Following a four day trial, a jury returned unanimous verdicts on both counts of rape.

The court heard his first victim, from Darwen, struggled but was unable to get away.

The 19-year-old then raped the girl before finally letting her go, the court heard.

The second attack came when he targetted the girl, after first trying to getting to know her.

She had agreed to meet Hussain, of Hazel Avenue, Darwen, in the town centre park because she believed they were friends, police said.

But after arriving at the public park alone, the ‘sexual predator’ attacked the youngster, in the open, the court heard.

Both victims bravely contacted police after the attacks.

The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have since received support from specialist officers and support workers.

Detectives from Lancashire police’s Engage team which aims to combat child sexual exploitation, now expect Hussain to be handed a ‘considerable prison sentence’ for his crimes by the court.

DS Mark Whelan, who led the investigation, said: “Hussain is a dangerous man who targeted and exploited two vulnerable young girls.

“This type of predatory crime will not be tolerated and we will continue to target, warn and prosecute offenders to hit home the message that this type of behaviour is not just unacceptable, it is criminal, and we will pursue those people involved and bring them to justice.”

Hussain has been remanded on bail until he will reappear at Preston crown Court for sentencing on November 16.

Anyone with information or concerns about the sexual exploitation of children should call police on 101 or the Engage team directly on 01254 56145.