A MOTHER and her daughter were raped by a man who forced his way into their home on Sunday morning.

The attack happened at about 10am when the rapist entered a house in Parr. Police say he assaulted and raped the 50-year-old mother and 24-year-old daughter.

An hour after the ordeal began the women managed to escape the house and raise the alarm at a local newsagents.

Police have launched a manhunt to catch the rapist who is described as being aged about 19 years old with a "ratty looking" appearance.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the Derbyshire Hill area on Sunday morning.

Patrols stepped up

Detective Chief Inspector Francis Youell said: "This was an appalling assault on two women in their own home and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously to contact St Helens CID".

The rapist is described as being about 5ft 11in tall, with a very thin build and cropped, reddish-brown hair. He had dark, possibly brown eyes, and was clean-shaven. He spoke with a strong Liverpool accent and was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, navy blue T-shirt, blue denim jeans and white trainers.

Extensive house-to-house enquiries were being made by officers this week. Police say they have also stepped up patrols in the area where the attack happened to provide reassurance for the local community and to help with the investigation.

DCI Youell added: "Scenes of crime officers have attended the address where the incident is alleged to have taken place and house-to-house enquiries are already underway. I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare and we are currently carrying out a thorough and intensive investigation to trace the offender".

ANYONE who may have information which could help police with their enquiries can contact St Helens CID on 0151 777 6064 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.