Woman raped in 'horrific' attack

A woman was repeatedly raped by a man who grabbed her on the street in what police in Manchester say was a "terrifying ordeal".

The 39-year-old woman was in the Whalley Range area when her attacker pulled her coat over her face and dragged her behind a nearby property.

Police say they believe the attack was "isolated", but are urging women not to walk alone late at night.

The rape happened in the early hours of last Sunday on Egerton Road North.

'Very dangerous'

Det Insp Terry Crompton, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This was a shocking crime.

"The woman was subjected to a horrific ordeal at the hands of her attacker.

"Any form of rape or sexual assault is a heinous crime - to do it repeatedly to his victim shows this is a very dangerous man who needs to be caught and put behind bars.

"We do not want to cause any alarm in the community and this is being treated as an isolated incident.

"I would, however, urge anyone walking home late at night to not walk alone, keep to well-lit areas and avoid shortcuts."

The offender is described as being white, about 30 to 40 years old, stocky with shaved or short hair that was light in colour. He spoke with a local Manchester accent.

Police are appealing to anyone who saw the man acting suspiciously in the area or who has any information about the incident to come forward.