Two men have been arrested after what police have called the “horrific” rape of a 20-year-old woman in Blackpool.

Lancashire officers say the woman was attacked in an alleyway at around 10:30pm on Thursday night.

She was raped before being violently assaulted.

She was then robbed, before her attacker left the scene, off Hopton Road, near the Home Bargains shop in the South Shore area of the city.

Detectives say the victim was helped home by two women.

A 30-year-old from the Midlands and a 19-year-old local resident have been arrested.

Both are in custody and are being interviewed by police.

“This is a horrific offence leaving the young victim with significant physical and undoubtedly mental injuries. She is understandably extremely distressed,” said Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson of Lancashire Police.

“I would like to thank the two ladies for coming forward and I would continue to appeal to anyone else who may be able to help us.

“Thankfully offences like this are rare.

“It is vitally important for the safety of other women that the offenders are identified and brought to justice, and to that end we have a dedicated team of detectives carrying out inquiries to identify the offender and get justice for the victim.”

DCI Wilson said he and his fellow officers could understand if people were nervous about coming forward with information, especially if they had not been following government guidelines, but he encouraged people to come forward.

“I would reassure them that our immediate concern is to find out what happened and I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant they may feel it to be, to come forward and speak to us.

“While we have made two arrests, our inquiries are very much ongoing.”

:: Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log 1557 of April 23rd or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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