POLICE are warning women in Morecambe not to walk alone at night after a rape by a silent attacker this week. The victim was grabbed by her hair at the junction of Schola Green Lane and dragged across the road to the steps leading to Bridge Road. She was then raped. The 26-year-old managed to beat him off and pushed the scarred rapist down the stairs before running to find her boyfriend in a town centre pub. The couple then raised the alarm.

Morecambe police are not linking the rape with any other sex attack in the area. But Detective Inspector Colin Fish was worried enough to call a press conference to warn other women to be on their guard. "All I can suggest to anybody who is female is don't walk alone at night and stay towards main roads and well lit areas.

"We are extremely concerned for the victim in this case and we will endeavour to ensure that she gets all the help she needs to come to terms with this attack." The woman didn't suffer any physical injuries from the assault.

The rape took place at about 9.30pm on Saturday night and police are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious on Schola Green Lane, York Bridge, Bridge Road or nearby Cross Street at that time to contact them immediately.

Police have issued an artist's impression of the attacker (pictured) heis in his late 20s, 5ft 6ins to 5ft 7ins tall, medium build, short dark hair brushed forward with a quiff. He was possibly olive skinned with marks or scars on his face. He wore T-shirt, jeans and black shoes.

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