Attacker 'called on second woman'

A man who raped an elderly woman in her Lancashire home had tried to get into another woman's house shortly before the attack, police have said.

The attacker got into his victim's flat in Wellington Court, Accrington, in the early hours of Tuesday.

The woman was raped and assaulted by the man after fighting back.

Det Ch Insp Neil Hunter said the man had earlier failed to get into another woman's home. He said the discovery was a "significant breakthrough".

The woman has given officers a description of the man who was banging on her door, moments before the victim was targeted.

I am convinced this is the same man who attacked the victim a short while later Det Ch Insp Neil Hunter

He was asking to be allowed into her home, but the woman refused and the man walked away.

Det Ch Insp Hunter, who is leading the investigation, said: "The finding of this witness is a significant breakthrough.

"She has provided us with a good description of the male who disturbed her and I am convinced this is the same man who attacked the victim a short while later.

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

The man was white, about 5ft 7in (1.7m) to 6ft (1.8m) and of medium build.

He had short, fair hair and was clean shaven.

He had a round face with red cheeks or a ruddy complexion and was wearing a white t-shirt with a blue short-sleeved top and jeans.

Forensic officers have been to the scene and detectives have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries.

Police said the victim, who received bruises and a bloodied nose, was "bearing up well".

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lancashire Police or Crimestoppers.