POLICE INVESTIGATING STRANGER RAPE IN OLD TRAFFORD

He held the knife to the woman’s face and ordered her to hand over any money she had. He then raped her at knifepoint.

The man left the address sometime later and police were called.

The offender is described as white, aged somewhere in his 20’s to 30’s and of medium build with dark hair. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a dark hooded top or coat with dark coloured bottoms.

Detective Inspector Carl Gilbert of GMP’s Trafford borough said: “This is an absolutely shocking incident and one that is sure to cause much concern to anybody who hears about what has happened. We have increased patrols to provide reassurance to the local community and carry out further enquiries.

“This man forced his way into the address and subjected his victim to a brutal and terrifying rape. We have a team of specially trained officers working to investigate and providing her with support at this difficult time.

“The attacker was completely unknown to the woman and I would ask the people of Old Trafford to please contact the investigation team if they believe they may have seen anything suspicious yesterday evening or in the hours following the rape.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 7655 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

- If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.

- St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

- Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.

- Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.