Knife clue in rapist hunt

Knife clue in rapist hunt

The victim was forced into a wooded area at knifepoint

Police investigating the rape of a teenager in Greater Manchester have released pictures of the knife she was threatened with.

Detectives hope the photograph of the distinctive weapon will help them identify her attacker.

The 17-year-old was raped in Bolton's Moses Gate Country Park on Tuesday 25 February at about 1400 GMT.

She was grabbed from behind by the waist and threatened with the knife, before her attacker pushed her in to a wooded area.

Detective Inspector Andy Aston said: "The offender left the knife at the scene and we have been carrying out extensive forensic tests on the weapon since the attack.

Police have released an e-fit of the rapist

"We are now hoping someone may recognise the knife along with the e-fit and help us catch this man."

The victim managed to escape her attacker by running through the River Croal, which runs near to the visitors' centre in the park.

Two women who were walking nearby then telephoned the police.

The offender was a white man, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5ft 6ins tall and of medium build.

A dedicated team of detectives are working on the case, from a mobile unit at the park.

Anyone with information should contact CID at Farnworth.