A TEENAGE girl was raped close to a shopping centre car park.

The incident is reported to have happened at around 9am on New Year’s Day, when the 14-year-old was approached by a stranger close to the Charter Walk car park in Burnley.

Her attacker is described as in his 30s or 40s, with short, dark, curly hair, a tanned complexion and a short beard.

It is understood the man attacked the girl at the bottom of the steps near the car park.

He was wearing dark clothes and it is believed he left the shopping centre towards Church Street after the attack.

Officers have asked for anyone with information about the attack to come forward. Despite it being New Year's Day, it is thought there would still have been people in the area at the time.

Detective Inspector Tim McDermott said: “We would like to reassure the public that incidents of this type are rare and we have a number of officers working on the enquiry.

“The girl is being supported by specially trained officers.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in that area this morning and who saw anything they think is relevant to contact us immediately.”

READ MORE: Police hunting CCTV man in connection with car park rape

Cllr Mark Townsend, leader of Burnley Council, said: “This is obviously an appalling incident. The police are right these types of incidents are rare but it does not make it any easier for the victim.

“I would like to call upon the general public to assist with police officers as much as they can to help catch the perpetrator as quickly as possible.

“We don’t want to scare people, but we want to make sure the individual is taken off our streets as soon as possible.

“To think this happened in broad daylight as well is awful.

“My thoughts are with the girl and her family, they must be going through a horrific time at the moment.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log number 913 of January 1.