An investigation has been launched after a young woman was raped in Bolton.
The victim was attacked in the early hours of the morning on Saturday (October 12) in Smithills, a residential suburb.
Police have not confirmed the exact location of the assault, but they are focusing on a ginnel just off Thorns Road.
They believe the incident took place between 3.15am and 4am.
The rape was then reported to police at around 8.45pm that evening.
Police confirmed the victim is now receiving support from specialists officers.
Det Insp Damian Threader, of GMP’s Bolton District, said: “At around 8.45pm last night, we received a report that a woman had been raped in the Smithills area.
“We have been carrying out a number of enquiries today to establish the full circumstances of the incident, however we are still in the early stages of our investigation.
“Although we are yet to confirm the exact time and location the attack took place, we believe it happened sometime between 3.15am and 4am on Saturday morning, and at this stage we are focusing our enquiries on a ginnel just off Thorns Road.
“Local residents will notice an increased police presence in the area in the coming days and I would urge anyone who has information that can assist us to please contact police.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5757, quoting incident number 3219 of October 12, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
