POLICE are investigating after reports that four men dragged a 17-year-old girl into an alleyway and tried to force her to drink alcohol.

The shocking incident is said to have happened as the young woman was making her way from college to the madrassa religious school in Derby Street.

She was near to the junction of Derby Street and High Street when a man approached her and dragged her into a nearby car park.

When she turned around, she realised there were three other men waiting in the car park.

It is reported that the men tried to make her drink from a Coca-cola bottle which police believe contained alcohol.

A young man who saw what was going on intervened and managed to help the young girl escape and her family have thanked him.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident which happened on Friday at 4.30pm and the Bolton Council of Mosques has issued advice to all local mosques, calling on people to be vigilant.

Imteyaz Ali, secretary of the Bolton Council of Mosques, has been liaising with the teenager’s family.

He said: “I have spoken with the family and they are of course very concerned about what happened.

“They are worried for the community in general and fear that what has happened to their daughter could happen to someone else’s daughter on another day.

“She is doing ok, she is a strong character and is currently being comforted by her parents.

“They said they would also really like to thank the young man who intervened to help their daughter get away from these men. He hasn’t come forward yet and they would like to thank him in person.”

Mr Ali said his organisation has been in regular contact with the police and have been assured officers are taking the matter seriously and has increased its presence in the area.

He added: “This is every parent’s nightmare. A young girl should be able to walk along the street in her local community at 4pm without worrying that she will be attacked.

“We have issued advice to all the mosques in the local area, warning people to be extra vigilant.

“The people who did this need to know that the local community will not stand for it and I would encourage anyone with information to contact the police as soon as possible.”

Police have issued a description of the man who initially approached the young woman.

He is believed to be in his early 20s and is 5ft 6 inches tall and slim.

Believed to be Eastern European, the man had light coloured hair and was wearing a black baseball cap.

Detective Sergeant Dean Purtill, of GMP’s Bolton borough, said: “I understand that this incident will cause concern in the local community and officers are working to find the men responsible.

“The girl was obviously extremely distressed by the ordeal and I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time or has information that can help our investigation to come forward.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.