Woman raped on Blackpool Promenade in early hours

The woman was raped between the Bluewaters Hotel and the North Pier

A man is being sought by police after a woman was reportedly raped on the promenade of a seaside resort.

Lancashire Police were called to the scene between the Bluewaters Hotel and the North Pier on Blackpool Promenade at 3:30 BST on Thursday.

Detectives say the attack is believed to have occurred in the early hours, between 1:30 and 3:00.

The force says it wants to speak to a tall Asian man in his mid-30s, described as slim, wearing multi-coloured flared trousers, a short-sleeved top and a black durag.

Increased patrols

Det Insp Liam Davy, of West CID, said the woman was being supported by specially trained officers.

“We know this may be alarming to read, but we want to reassure you that we have launched an investigation, and we have increased targeted patrols in the area, whilst the investigation is ongoing", he said.

DI Davy urged anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, who may have dashcam or CCTV footage of the area or who may have seen a man matching that description to come forward.