11:23am Friday 22nd September 2006
By Leigh Journal Reporter
A WOMAN was raped just moments after she was dropped off by a taxi.
The 32-year-old victim was attacked soon after she got out of the vehicle on Chapel Street, Leigh in the early hours of Sunday, September 10.
A man suddenly appeared at her side and started to engage her in conversation. He then threw her to the ground and tried to take her clothing off. She tried to crawl away but he overpowered her and raped her.
The offender then moved away from her and told her someone was shouting to her. She went to look for whoever had shouted to her and when she turned round the attacker had gone.
A second man then approached her and asked if she was OK, before walking her to Leigh police station.
The woman suffered minor cuts and bruises in the attack and was left extremely upset and distraught.
The rapist is described as white, with a slim build, in his early 20s, around 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall and he spoke with a local accent. He was wearing blue jeans and a beige long-sleeved top.
The second man has also described seeing a man fitting this description riding a mountain bike away from the scene just before he encountered the victim.
Detective Sergeant Michael Burgess of Leigh CID said: "This was a horrific attack that happened in a residential area.
"This woman has been left extremely traumatised by her ordeal and I would appeal to the local community to think back to that night and try to remember anything out of the ordinary.
"While this was a very serious attack, it must be stressed that incidents like this are extremely rare.
"But we would like to remind people, and especially women, to take sensible steps to protect their personal safety at all times.
"Don't walk on your own late at night and where possible stick to well used paths and routes. Try to stay in groups wherever possible and avoid dark and secluded areas. Remain fully aware of your surroundings at all times."
Specially trained officers from Greater Manchester Police's Project Nightingale, which provide professional advice and guidance to victims of sexual assault, are speaking to the woman.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to phone Leigh CID on 0161 856 7263 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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