A 16-year-old girl has allegedly been raped inside public toilets on Blackpool’s seafront, with Lancashire Police detaining a teenage boy on suspicion of the attack.
Officers were called to the public facilities on Queens Promenade, near Gynn Square, at approximately 7:58pm on Saturday, 20 September, following reports of the serious sexual assault. The area has since been cordoned off whilst police conduct their investigation.
A 16-year-old boy from nearby Fleetwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in custody as enquiries continue. Lancashire Police confirmed they are treating the incident with the utmost seriousness and have assigned a dedicated team of officers to the case.
The alleged attack occurred in the public toilets situated on one of Blackpool’s busiest stretches of promenade, an area popular with families and tourists visiting the seaside resort. Gynn Square, a landmark location on Blackpool’s North Shore, sits at the junction where North Promenade meets Queens Promenade and is typically frequented by holidaymakers and locals alike.
In a statement released on Sunday, a Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “At 7.58pm on September 20 we were called to reports a teenager had been raped in Blackpool. Officers have attended and a scene has been put in place on Queens Promenade.”
The force confirmed that specially trained officers are providing support to the victim during this traumatic time. “The teenager is being supported by specially trained officers at this time,” the spokesperson added.
Detailing the arrest, police said: “Following enquiries, a 16-year-old boy from Fleetwood has been arrested on suspicion of rape. He remains in custody at this time.”
Lancashire Police emphasised that whilst they are in the early stages of their investigation, they are committed to thoroughly examining all aspects of the case. “We are at the early stage of our enquiries and a dedicated team of officers has been assigned to this case,” the spokesperson confirmed.
The force has appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with their investigation. Members of the public who may have been in the area at the time or who might have witnessed anything suspicious are being urged to contact police.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 1204 of 20th September 2025,” the police statement concluded.
The incident has shocked the local community in Blackpool, a popular seaside destination that attracts millions of visitors annually. The area around Gynn Square and Queens Promenade is typically busy during September evenings, particularly at weekends when both tourists and locals enjoy the seafront.
Local authorities have not yet commented on whether additional security measures will be implemented in the area following this serious incident. The public toilets where the alleged attack occurred remain closed whilst forensic teams conduct their examination of the scene.
Sexual assault support services have reminded victims that help is available through various organisations. Lancashire Police work closely with specialist support agencies to ensure victims receive appropriate care and assistance throughout the investigation process.
The arrest comes as police forces across the UK continue to prioritise tackling sexual violence, particularly crimes involving young people. Lancashire Constabulary has specialist teams trained to handle such sensitive cases, ensuring victims receive appropriate support whilst investigations are conducted thoroughly.
Fleetwood, where the arrested teenager resides, is a coastal town approximately seven miles north of Blackpool. The town falls within the same police division as Blackpool, with both areas covered by Lancashire Constabulary’s West Division.
As the investigation continues, police have not released any further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. The age of both the victim and the suspect means that neither can be identified for legal reasons.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Lancashire Police immediately on 101, quoting log reference 1204 of 20th September 2025. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Support for victims of sexual assault is available through the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999, which operates daily from 12pm to 2:30pm and 7pm to 9:30pm. Local support services in Lancashire are also available through specialist sexual assault referral centres.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have confirmed they will provide updates as appropriate whilst maintaining the privacy and welfare of all involved parties.
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