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Teenager on rape charge

28/ 4/2005

A TEENAGER has appeared before Burnley magistrates accused of raping a 14-year-old and offences against two other schoolgirls.

Peter Cunliffe, 18, of Juniper Court, Huncoat, was remanded in custody until 1 August for a hearing at Burnley Crown Court.

The defendant is charged with making threats to kill, two counts of assault by penetration, two allegations of rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, abduction and attempted abduction.

His solicitor Nick Dearing did not apply for bail.

The charges relate to alleged incidents involving three girls aged between 12 and 14, said to have occurred last Thursday. Cunliffe was arrested on Saturday afternoon.

In one of the alleged attacks, a 14-year-old girl was walking along Kidrow Lane in Burnley at about 9pm, when she was said to have been forced into the grounds of Habergham High School and raped.

Earlier in the day, at about 4pm, a 12-year-old girl was walking in the school grounds when she was allegedly approached by a youth who grabbed her arm. She was able to break free.

Just before 9pm, in another alleged incident, a youth is said to have tried to abduct a 13-year-old girl.