A MANHUNT has been launched after a woman was raped in woodland close to a canal in Failsworth.

Detectives say the attacker struck at around 7.30pm when a 41-year-old woman was walking along a path close to the Rochdale Canal on Friday.

He is thought to have followed his victim for around 15 minutes before dragging her into nearby woods close to the Morrisons store, off Poplar Street.

Police say the offender is a black man, who is in his late 20s or early 30s. He is also described as having an accent.

The woman is being supported by specially trained officers and support services.

Det Insp Louise Edwards, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “Clearly, this is a horrifying incident and we are supporting the victim through this process.

"Her welfare is absolutely paramount to us and we will continue to help her as best as we can.

"We are working hard to trace the perpetrator of this vile crime and have a dedicated team of detectives following every possible line of enquiry available to us. This includes following several forensic leads, as well as exploring CCTV opportunities.

“We would urge anyone with any information to get in contact with us – perhaps you saw something that didn’t seem quite right, or saw a person fitting this description on Friday afternoon near to the Failsworth and North Manchester areas. If so, please come forward and speak with officers as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 8563 639, quoting incident 3074 of July 11. Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.