A TEENAGE girl was allegedly driven from East Lancashire and raped in a Blackpool hotel room.

The 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, fell asleep in a bedroom at the hotel before waking up to discover she was being attacked, police alleged.

A man from Blackburn has now been charged in connection with the incident.

The alleged offences were reported on Saturday but were said to have occurred after the girl was taken from her home earlier last week.

Ajmal Mohammed, 39, has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with rape, attempted rape and taking the girl, who is from Accrington, from lawful custody.

Mohammed, of Audley Range, Blackburn, was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court.

The youngster is believed to have told her parents about the incident after being admitted to hospital in the days after the attack.

She was then interviewed by specialist officers.

Police added that the hotel involved had co-operated fully with the inquiry and a detailed examination of the premises had taken place.