Police examine Farnworth rape scene CCTV images

9:36am Tuesday 6th May 2008

POLICE are examining CCTV footage from shops close to where a 17-year-old girl was raped in a back street.

The attack happened only yards from shops and pubs in Higher Market Street, Farnworth, many of which have cameras facing the street.

Forensic experts have also taken swabs from the victim's clothing, which they hope will reveal her attacker's identity.

The teenager is now receiving counselling after she was subjected to a terrifying ordeal, which lasted several minutes as she walked home from a friend's house.

She had been walking along Frederick Street when a man asked her for the time. When she stopped to take out her phone, the man grabbed her, dragged her into a back alley and raped her.

She managed to escape after punching her attacker in the face.

A police spokesman said: "We have collected CCTV footage from the shops in the area and will be studying it over the coming days. The victim remains traumatised and has received counselling from specialists."

Police said residents in Frederick Court, which opens on to the back alley, did not hear or see anything suspicious when the attack happened at 11pm on Thursday.

The attacker is in his 30s, about 5ft 9in tall, chubby, with crew-cut hair that is growing out. He was wearing a blue jacket and is said to talk with a local accent.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen someone fitting the attacker's description, or anyone who knows anything about the attack, to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5752 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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