A 30‑year‑old man has been charged with two counts of rape after two girls in their late teens were reportedly assaulted in an alleyway off Deansgate in Blackpool in the early hours of Saturday 26 July.
Arrest, charge and custody
Lancashire Police said officers were called at 2:36am on Saturday to reports that two late‑teenage girls had been raped. Following inquiries, a man was detained in Blackpool on the Tuesday evening and, after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, charged.
The accused is named by police as James Peters, 30, of no fixed address. He has been remanded in custody and was due to appear before Lancaster Magistrates' Court today.
Police statement and public guidance
"Our officers were called at 2:36am on Saturday 26th July to an alleyway off Deansgate, to a report that two girls, both aged in their late teens, had been raped."
The force confirmed that legal proceedings are now active and said it had disabled comments on its social media posts to prevent online speculation that might prejudice court hearings. Police urged members of the public not to speculate about the case.
Local impact and context
Such incidents raise immediate concerns about safety in central Blackpool and the welfare of the victims. An active prosecution means further details are likely to remain restricted while the case progresses through the courts. Residents and visitors to town centres are often anxious following reports of serious sexual offences; law enforcement statements and timely updates are important to maintain public confidence.
- Date and time of report: 2:36am, Saturday 26 July
- Location: Alleyway off Deansgate, Blackpool
- People involved: Two female victims, both in their late teens; defendant charged as James Peters, 30
- Legal status: Charged with two offences of rape; remanded in custody; due at Lancaster Magistrates' Court
Timeline
| Event | Date/time |
|---|---|
| Incident reported to police | 2:36am, 26 July |
| Arrest | Tuesday evening (following week) |
| Charge | After CPS consultation; charged with two counts of rape |
| Custody/First appearance | Remanded; due at Lancaster Magistrates' Court |
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation should contact Lancashire Police through the normal channels. As this is an active legal matter, courts will determine the evidence and the defendant's culpability.
Reporting of sexual offences is handled sensitively by police and victim support services are available for those affected by sexual violence; local agencies can provide guidance and assistance to survivors as the criminal process proceeds.
