Last updated 14:38, Tuesday, 22 July 2008

POLICE are hunting an injured man who is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl.

TRANSFORMATION: The old B&Q building will become the new site for Range, which plans to open on October 10

The assault happened in the early hours of Sunday in the car park of the old B&Q site just off Abbey Road, Barrow.

Leading investigator, Detective Constable John Dilks, said the girl was not raped or injured but left extremely distressed by the sexual assault.

The Barrow CID officer said police believe the teenager was with a man in his mid to late 20s in the Yung Nien House Chinese takeaway on Cavendish Street, Barrow, about 3.30am.

DC Dilks said: “The man either rang a taxi from inside the Yung Nien or out on Cavendish Street. The taxi driver then took them to an address on Walney. She’s not sure where.

“The male then got into a fight at the house they visited and he called another taxi to take them back to Barrow town centre.

“We are hoping this taxi driver might remember the pair because the man at this point had a prominent cut to his forehead. This may jog his memory.

“Once they arrived in the town centre he subjected the female to a serious sexual assault in the car park area of the old B&Q site.

“This assault took place between 4am and 5am. The victim then ran off toward Dundonald Street.

“We want to ask any taxi drivers who remember picking up this pair to take them to Walney or back to Barrow from Walney to get in touch and help us trace this man.”

The assailant is described as wearing a dark blue shirt, dark-coloured jeans and white trainers.

DC Dilks said: “If you saw them at the Yung Nien getting into a taxi, or were at the house on Walney, or the taxi driver in either direction, please get in touch.”

Detectives are currently studying CCTV footage.

If you can help call the detective or speak to any officer in Barrow CID by ringing 0845 330 0247.