DETECTIVES have appealed for two men who had contact with a rape victim before and after the attack to come forward.

A 32-year-old woman from Colne was raped at 1.45am on Saturday March 31 near the cash machine at the Spar, Netherfield Road, Nelson.

She had got a taxi from the Good Night Club, Stanley Street, but got out of the vehicle when a fellow passenger went to the cash point.

The cab drove off before the woman got back in.

She was then attacked by two men in a gateway between the side of the Spar and a car park.

Officers have appealed for a man who offered to ring a taxi for the victim after she got out of the first cab and a driver who picked her up after the attack between 1.45am and 2.30am to contact police.

Detective Inspector Dave Hickey, said: "This women underwent a horrific ordeal and I would appeal for the two witnesses, both of whom assisted the victim, to come forward as they may hold information vital to the investigation."

One of the attackers was Asian, in his mid 20s, over 6ft, slim, with short dark heavily gelled hair with a tuft sticking upwards and outwards at the front. He was wearing a dark tracksuit and trainers.

The other was Asian, in his mid 20s, a lot shorter, with a similar hair style.

Call 01282 425001.