Woman 'dragged off street and raped' after asking man for cigarette in Manchester

A woman was allegedly dragged off the street and horrifically raped after she asked a man for a cigarette and he agreed on the condition that she followed him.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say they received a report of rape around midday on Tuesday (4 April) concerning a sexual assault that had taken place some time between 3.10am and 3.15am the same day.

The alleged assault took place not far from Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium and close to the Old Trafford Metrolink station.

According to GMP, the woman was walking to a shop along Chester Road and spotted a man smoking.

The force said in a statement that she asked for a cigarette but the man said he would only share it with her if she walked to Old Trafford Metrolink station.

The GMP said: "The pair walked together along Warwick Road when the man crossed the road and beckoned the woman into the car park at Warwick House.

"When she refused, the man dragged her into the car park and raped her."

Police say the suspect was described as Asian with short black hair and stubble. He was around 5ft 6ins or slightly shorter, in his early 40s, of slim build and wearing a black leather jacket and jeans.

They added that the suspect spoke with a Manchester accent.

'Shocking incident'

Police have launched an investigation and are now appealing for information and Detective Inspector Carl Gilbert, of GMP's Trafford borough, said the victim was subject to a "terrifying rape".

"This is an absolutely shocking incident and one that is sure to cause much concern to anybody who hears about what has happened," he said.

"We have a significant team working on this investigation and have increased patrols in the local community while we carry out further enquiries.

"This man subjected his victim to a terrifying rape and we have a team of specially trained officers 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."