Last updated 11:36, Friday, 22 August 2008

Back street of Victoria Road. LINDSEY DICKINGS REF: 0446550

A SEX attacker targeted a 14-year-old girl in Barrow, say police.
The alleged incident happened in a back street at the top of Victoria Road on Wednesday night .
An 18-year-old man was arrested at 10.45pm and was yesterday being quizzed by detectives in connection with the alleged incident.
Detective Sergeant Doug Marshall, of Barrow CID, is leading the investigation. A spokesman for Barrow police urged people to be vigilant.
He said: “As always, we would advise people to be aware of their surroundings and to plan ahead when going out, by thinking about who they are with and how they are going to get home safely. Try to travel in groups and let friends and family know where you are going and what time you are due home.
“We have not identified any specific threats relating to this incident, but we would urge people to take a common sense approach to personal safety.
“We do have somebody in custody relating to this incident, and he is helping police with their inquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 3300247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Police are not linking last night’s incident with an alleged sex attack in Barrow town centre a fortnight ago. Steven Thomas Anthony Thorley, 25, was charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in a back alley between Dalton Road and Harrison Street, at around 12.55pm on Wednesday on August 6.
Thorley, of Devon Street, Barrow, appeared at Furness Magistrates’ Court on August 9.
Thorley, represented by Mr Gareth James, made no formal plea.
But he did indicate he was intending to plead not guilty.
Magistrates Mrs Barbara Rabone and Mr Raj Rathi refused Thorley bail.
He is due to appear at Preston Crown Court on November 21.