Accrington rapist 'tried to target other victim'

10:10pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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A RAPIST who attacked an elderly woman in her own home may have tried to target another victim earlier in the evening.

Police are advising people to take extra care when people call unexpectedly at their homes after a man banged on the door of a house in Accrington and demanded to be let in in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Shortly afterwards - at 12.30am - a rapist struck at the flat of a pensioner in the Woodnook area. The victim, in her 80s, was left battered and bruised after trying to fend off her attacker.

During police house-to-house inquiries in the immediate area officers discovered that a woman who lived near the crime scene had been disturbed by a man banging on her door and asking to be let inside.

She refused to open the door but he only left when she said she would call the police.

Both women have given similar descriptions, leading officers to believe it could be the same man.

He is described as a white male, 20-30 years old, 5ft 7" - 6ft tall, local accent, medium build, with light/fair hair cut short. He was clean shaven with a round face and red cheeks or a ruddy complexion.

He was wearing a white T-shirt with a blue short-sleeved over the top and jeans.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Hunter, who is leading the investigation, said: "The finding of this witness is a significant breakthrough. Due to the timing of the incidents and the descriptions given I am convinced that this is the same man. We are now looking to see if there have been other recent reports of men calling late at night or if anyone else saw a male acting suspiciously at that time.

"In light of what has happened we would urge people to be cautious when someone calls at their door unexpectedly. Do not let them in if you do not know who they are, and exercise the same amount of wariness in the day time as you would do at night. If you have any concerns about someone who has come to your house then call the police."

It is thought the man may have been attracted to the houses by the fact that there had lights on, whereas other properties were in darkness.

The elderly victim has been interviewed by specialist officers and is said to be 'bearing up remarkably well’.

DCI Hunter added: "The victim was extremely brave and I am sure that her tenacious and plucky resistance surprised and frustrated the offender."

Anybody with any information should contact police on 01254 51212 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.