Police are hunting a man alleged to have raped a woman on Blackpool seafront in the early hours of May 16. Emergency services were scrambled to the resort’s promenade around 3.30am following panicked calls about the incident.

       Lancashire Police are now searching for a man believed to be in his mid-30s who is said to be tall and Asian.

       Authorities described the man as wearing multi-coloured flares, a short sleeve top and a black Durag - tight-fitting cloth tied round the head.

       The incident took place after 1.30am around the promenade, police say, between the Blue Water Hotel and the North Pier, the woman claimed.

       Police are now asking those with information to come forward.

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       Det Insp Liam Davy, of West CID said: “This is a serious offence, and we are working hard to identify the person responsible. The victim is 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.

       “We’re now reaching out to you, to ask for your help. If you have any dashcam or CCTV footage, or if you saw anything suspicious, or a man matching the above description in the area between Blue Water Hotel and the North Pier between midnight and 3:30am this morning, please get in touch.”

       You can call 101, quoting log 0134 of May 16.