Sixteen-year-old arrested on suspicion of rape at care home

A sixteen-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of rape and burglary at a care home in Lancashire.

The teenager from Blackpool has been released under investigation while enquiries continue in relation to the incident.

Police were called shortly before 5am on Sunday 4 August to reports that an unknown male had been found in a room of New Thursby Nursing Home on Clifton Drive, Lytham St Annes.

Staff at the home startled the intruder who had climbed in through a ground floor window; he escaped via the same window when confronted. The care home resident has been receiving support from specialist staff in the wake of the 'sexual assault'.

Detective Inspector Jamie Lillystone of Blackpool Police said: “Enquiries are very much ongoing but at this point we are investigating a sexual assault. The victim and their family are being cared for by professionals and being supported by specialist officers.”

The police have appealed for any evidence to help with their inquiries such as CCTV footage or dashcam evidence.

Detective Inspector Lillystone said: “If you have any information at all that could help with our investigation – we need to hear from you.

“If you were in the area at around 5am and saw anything suspicious or have any CCTV or dashcam footage that may be useful, please contact us. You can call us on 101 quoting log number 350 of 4 August.”