LANCASTER police are targeting students in as they investigate a savage rape in Lancaster city centre.

A total of 35 students have taken part in a DNA screening programme, saving a total of nine days of police time.

The programme is aimed in particular at third year students who are set to leave Lancaster in just a couple of weeks.

First and second year students who live in the area around Moor Close, where the rape took place in the early hours of April 1, are also being asked to attend the sessions.

Police have taken the step after house to house enquiries in the area revealed a high number of students, most of whom will be leaving the area for the summer holidays at the end of June.

Students have been reassured that all DNA samples will be used only in connection with the current rape enquiry and will be destroyed when the investigation is concluded.

In a statement, Det Insp Colin Fish, who is leading the investigation, said: "Lancaster Police would like to take this opportunity to thank the colleges for their support in this matter, and would stress that the support of individuals living within the specified area is regarded as extremely important."

He added: "We are very pleased with the response by the students so far at both the University and the College.

"In total 35 students have taken part in the DNA screening and this has saved about nine days work with officers making house-to-house enquiries.

"It is all a matter of elimination, mainly for third year students who will soon leave the area but we are keen to screen first and second year students as well. We have received tremendous support from the respective Students' Unions.

"DNA screening is an extremely useful tool the police can use when investigating offences of rape and we are hopeful that this process will help us to eliminate the innocent so we can catch the offender."

The DNA testing sessions, which are being supported by Students' Unions at both St Martin's College and Lancaster University, started last week and will continue until Friday.

Sessions take place from 12.30pm to 7.30pm at Rooms TK 3 and 4 (next to St Martin's Students' Union) and Faraday seminar room 1 at the University.

Students should bring two forms of identification, ideally a passport or driving licence, supported by an NUS/library card.

Anyone with any concerns should contact their Students' Union or the incident room at Lancaster police station on 01524 596841/596843.