TWO Accrington men have been charged in connection with the abduction and rape of a schoolgirl.
The 12-year-old girl is said to have been attacked and raped in a car off Barden Road, Spring Hill, Accrington, at around 6.30am on Saturday.
Imran Pervez, 27, of Pendle Street, Accrington, has been charged with two counts of child abduction, rape, sexual assault and threats to kill.
He was due to appear in court yesterday (Thursday).
A second man, Zaheer Khan, 24, of Clifton Street, Accrington, is accused of three counts of child abduction. He appeared before Blackburn magistrates on Wednesday and was remanded in custody.
The court was told that three girls, all under the age of 16, were allegedly driven around East Lancashire and plied with alcohol and cocaine.
After Saturday’s alleged incident the 12-year-old ran off and approached a man in the Lynton Road or Fairfield Street area of Accrington, who was wearing an Army-style top, and asked him if he had a phone.
Police are now keen to speak to the man as he may be a witness.
Police said the girl, who is from the Blackburn area, is now being helped by the Engage team, which works with children and teenagers who have been groomed for sexual exploitation.
Detective Inspector Jill Johnston said: "We are offering support to both the girl and her family. I would like to reassure the public that we are treating this incident very seriously and have dedicated resources specifically in order to effectively target those suspected of grooming and exploiting children."
Inquiries continue and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with concerns about sexual exploitation can contact the Engage team on 267790 or police on 51212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
