Police warning after girl, 15, raped

POLICE are warning pedestrians to be on their guard after a 15-year-old girl was forced into an alleyway and raped.

The teenager was walking home on Victoria Street, Chadderton, at 9.40pm on Saturday when a man who had been following her pounced.

He grabbed her by the throat before carrying out the horrific attack. The terrified girl then managed to get home and told her mother who called the police.

The rapist is described as Asian, in his early 40s, of a slim but muscular build, with a beard on his chin.

He had shaved dark hair and was wearing dark clothing and boots.

Det Sgt Liz Hopkinson, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “This has been a horrific experience for the victim, who has been spoken to by specially-trained officers.

“We are appealing for any witnesses who were on Victoria Street and may have seen the offender’s movements before and after this incident.

“We are asking the public to be vigilant, but also want to make it clear that such attacks are rare and this one is being investigated by a dedicated team of detectives.”

Anyone with any information should call 0161-856 4552, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.

Rape victims can contact police on 0161-872 5050.