Old Trafford Rape Appeal

Detectives in Greater Manchester have appealed for a man who spoke to a rape victim moments after a vicious attack to come forward.

The incident took place at around 10.30pm on Tuesday 1 September 2009 on a grassed area between Chorlton Road and Maher Gardens.

The 37-year-old woman was walking across the area, known locally as Penn Park, towards the Whalley Pub on Withington Road.

The alleged attacker, who was walking from Bold Street, started talking to the victim before he said he had a knife. He then made the woman get on the floor and raped her.

He also stole cash from her, punched and kicked her before he left.

The victim got up and tried to speak to a man walking along Maher Gardens who was on his mobile phone. He had a very brief exchange with her before walking off.

This man is described as being black, in his 30s, 5ft 7in tall and of medium build. He was wearing dark clothing.

The offender himself is described as being an Asian man in his 20s, 5ft 6in to 5ft 7in tall, of slim build and with short-cropped black hair.

Detective Sergeant Alison Barber said: "This was an appalling attack by an offender who not only violated his victim in the worst way possible, he also stole cash from her.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the attack, and we are also very keen to hear from the man the victim spoke to just afterwards.

"You are not in trouble in any way but we are keen to hear from you, so you can tell us what you know. Please get in touch."

(PR/GK)