Woman, 75, raped in her own home

POLICE investigating the rape of a 75-year-old woman in her own home have described the attack as “appalling” and “despicable”.

The elderly woman was at home at about 6pm on Saturday when the thug entered communal flats in Unsworth Way, Coldhurst, and pressed the buzzer to her door.

The man claimed he needed to check her flat for work that needed doing. Despite refusing to let him in, he managed to gain entry.

After checking every room, he told the woman to go into her bedroom.

Shocked
She initially refused, fearing she would be attacked, but was then raped by the offender who then fled.

The woman reported the attack to a family member the following day and police were called.

Officers are investigating whether the same man tried to enter another woman’s flat on Grisebeck Way — flats opposite the woman’s home — half-an-hour later.

He is described as white, between 25 and 35-years-old, between 5ft 7in and 6ft tall and of a medium build. He was clean shaven with short hair and spoke with a local accent.

Neighbours said they had been left shocked by the crime.

Jack Brierley (63), who has lived in the flats for five years, said: “What has happened is disgusting. The lady is very nice, we always speak to each other and I have helped her out a few times.

“It’s a really peaceful community, very helpful and nice. I’ll carry on as normal but I’ll be a bit more careful like putting the chain on the door when I answer it.”

Mary Healey (62), who has lived in the complex for six months, said: “It’s all a bit scary, I’ve never seen so many police here. It has made me nervous and it puts you on your guard. We’ve never kept our communal front door locked but CID said we should now.”

Detective Inspector Danny Inglis, from the Oldham Volume Crime Team, said: “First I want to try and reassure members of this community who will undoubtedly be anxious following this senseless and appalling attack on a vulnerable woman.

“Specially-trained officers are giving the woman as much support as she needs following this attack.

“The reason we have publicised this rape is to alert residents to what happened so they can take every available precaution and to help us catch this offender.

“Make no mistake, the man we are looking for is a coward. To rape a 75-year-old woman in her own home is truly despicable and we need to catch this man and lock him away for a very long time.”

Extra police patrols are now in place around the area.

Detective Inspector Inglis urged residents to be extra vigilant and not let strangers into their homes.

He said: “If you see anyone hanging around or if they try to gain access to your flat, please do not let anyone in under any circumstances — call police immediately.”

Ward councillor Abdul Jabbar said he was “very concerned” after hearing about the attack.

He said: “If people are frightened, I’m more than happy to organise a meeting with the police and other services such as housing associations to answer their concerns. We want people to feel safe and secure.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161-276 6515.