Woman raped by stranger at a house in Bolton
The "frightening and shocking" attack happened on Westgate Avenue in Halliwell before 9 this morning
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was raped by a stranger in Bolton.
Police were called just after 9.10 this morning to reports a man attacked the victim at a house on Westgate Avenue in Halliwell.
The woman, who's in her 40s, is being supported by officers.
It's since been established the offender had been spotted on the street a short time before the incident took place.
He is described as white and in his 20s. He is believed to be of a skinny build and between 5 ft 3 and 5 ft 5 inches tall.
He was wearing a grey tracksuit top and blue tracksuit bottoms at the time of the incident.
"A frightening and shocking incident"
Chief Inspector John Charlton, of GMP’s Bolton district, says, “This is a frightening and shocking incident and attacks like this are thankfully rare. However, I would like to stress that our thoughts remain very much with the victim at what must be an incredibly difficult time.
“We are appealing to anyone who has any information and are keen to speak to people who may have seen the offender in the lead up to the attack. The incident happened at a busy time of day, with many people making their way to work, so I am confident that there are people out there who can assist our enquiries.
“We’re keen to speak to anyone who might have dashcam footage from the Queens Park area between 8.30am to 9am on Thursday 6 June.
“I appreciate that this incident will undoubtedly cause concern among the local community but I want to reassure members of the public that we have a dedicated team of officers working incredibly hard to trace the person responsible.
“There will be an increased police presence in the coming days in the surrounding area and I would urge anyone with questions or issues to please speak with these officers who are there to provide support.”
Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8757, quoting incident number 527 of 06/06/19, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.