Detectives believe the girl, who is 21 and from Penwortham, could have been attacked after having her drink spiked.

Today, they urged members of public who could identify the man - who is the last person seen with her before she awoke to find her clothes tampered with - to come forward as he may be able to help police piece together what happened to her.

He is seen in CCTV footage leaving Lava and Ignite nightclub on Church Street with the victim in the early hours of Friday February 29 before 3.30am.

The woman woke up in Chaddock Street, near Winckley Square, between 4am and 5am with no memory of how she got there.

She reported her watch and bank card missing and later underwent a forensic examination.

Det Insp Dave McKenna, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are currently examining CCTV footage, pursuing forensic leads and working with the victim to try to improve her memory of the incident.

"I would really like to speak to anyone who may have seen a young woman, either alone or possibly with somebody else, in the Cross Street or Chaddock Street area between 3.30am and 5am on that night to get in touch with the police.

"We know she left the club with the man pictured in the CCTV footage and we are keen to trace him as he is the last person seen with the young women.

"We would urge him to come forward or anyone who thinks they might recognise him to contact police.

"We are still trying to piece together exactly what has happened and even the smallest amount of information could help."

Anyone with information should call Preston Police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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