POLICE have drawn a blank in their search for an alleged rapist in Creech St Michael.

The investigation into the reported attack on a 15-year-old local girl on the canal bridge at 9.30pm on Monday has already cost thousands of pounds and tied up 20 officers.

But neighbours beside the well-lit, busy road, and motorists and pedestrians in the area at the time, have told police they did not see or hear anything.

No arrests have been made and none seemed imminent as the Somerset County Gazette went to press yesterday (Thursday).

The girl told police she was walking home alone after an evening out socialising with friends when she was confronted by a man.

A friend rang in a complaint on her behalf shortly after midnight and police sealed off the road into Tuesday afternoon as they combed the area for possible evidence, bringing major disruption to the village.

The victim, who was said to be "in a stressed state," was interviewed and given a medical examination in the force's rape suite in Taunton.

The officer leading the hunt for the alleged rapist has appealed for potential witnesses in the area at the time when the girl was walking home from the Bell Inn direction.

The alleged rapist is described as white, aged 40-50, 5ft 10in tall, with close-cropped hair and lots of wrinkles round his eyes. He was wearing a black or dark blue T-shirt and black velvety or moleskin trousers.

Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the girl on the bridge from 9pm to 10pm, or who recognise the alleged offender's description, to ring Crimestoppers on 0800-555111 or visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk