[P]OLICE are appealing for help tracing a dog-walker believed to have been first on the scene following a rape in Blackpool last night (Thursday).
Officers were called shortly before 5pm to reports a 59-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted in a wooded area in the Woodside Drive area of the town.
The initial call was made by a woman thought to have been walking her dogs in the area, who unfortunately left the scene before police arrived.
Police would now like to speak to anybody with information about the incident, but in particular would like to trace the woman who made the first call.
Detective Inspector Alisa Wilson, of Blackpool Police, said: “Firstly we would like to reassure members of the public that we believe this was an isolated incident as the victim and the alleged offender are thought to be known to each other.
“However, our enquiries are ongoing and we would now like to speak to anybody with information about this incident, and in particular would like to trace the woman who first called the incident in to us as she may have vital information which could help with our investigation.
“If you know who this woman is, or indeed, if you are the lady in question, we would ask that you contact us as soon as possible.”
A 51-year-old man from Blackpool has since been arrested on suspicion of rape.
Anybody with information is asked to contact us on 101, quoting log number 1102 of July 6th.
