Detectives were today hunting a teenage rapist who attacked a 16-year-old girl in broad daylight.

The student victim was subjected to the terrifying ordeal at 9.15am yesterday as she walked through the grounds of a disused pub off Keighley Road, Manningham, Bradford.

She was approached by two teenage boys, who started chatting to her as she made her way through the car park between the Spotted House Pub and Airedale Club.

One of the boys, believed to be aged between 13 and 15, raped her while his young friend stood nearby. The pair then ran off and the victim ran to nearby St Joseph's College for help, where staff contacted the police.

The girl, from the Bradford area, was today being comforted by her parents and specially- trained police liaison officers.

The area surrounding the car park - which is out of view from the main Bradford to Keighley Road - was cordoned off last night and police put up a tent to preserve the scene.

Officers carried out house to house inquiries and returned to the scene this morning to conduct a further fingertip search of the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Sedgwick, of Toller Lane CID, said: "The 16-year-old girl was walking through the grounds of the Spotted House pub when she was approached by two boys.

"One of the boys subjected her to a serious sexual assault in the car park. It appears the second boy did not take part in the assault but is believed to have watched.

"The girl is obviously very distressed, as are her parents. Thankfully these incidents are rare, but when they do happen we take them very seriously and we will be putting a lot of resources into catching those responsible."

Det Ch Insp Sedgwick appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who saw the two boys in the area, to come forward.

"It is unusual for this sort of incident to happen in broad daylight, and the area would have been fairly busy," he said.

"The car park is only ten to 15 yards from the main road, but is hidden from view.

"Local residents have reported seeing two boys acting suspiciously prior to the incident. And it may be these boys have been in the area on previous occasions."

Both youngsters are described as white. The boy who carried out the rape was aged between 13 and 15, 5ft 4ins to 5ft 8ins, of stocky build, with brown hair, wearing a black jacket with a patch at the front, black hat and combat trousers.

The second boy was aged 14 to 16, slightly smaller and slimmer, with light brown hair, wearing a cream or white jacket. Anyone with information is asked to contact Toller Lane CID on (01274) 376259 or (01274) 376285.