A 17-YEAR-OLD girl has been raped after being dragged onto a path.

The teenage girl was walking down the A58 Bury and Bolton Road near to the Ainsworth Arms pub on Tuesday, October 9 between 2am and 3.30am when she was dragged off the footpath to a track.

Detectives want to speak to a man between the age of 18 and 28-years-old, described as being slim with receding short hair. He was last seen running off from the direction of the Ainsworth Arms along Starling Road.

Police have released CCTV of a man fitting the description who was seen in the area.

Detective Inspector Ian Harratt, of the Sexual Offences Unit, said: "We have issued these images of this man as we believe he could hold vital information about the rape.

"I want everyone to have a good look at the pictures and contact us if you recognise him. Alternatively, if you recognise yourself from the photos then please get in touch.

"Since this happened we have been working round the clock and we have put in extra patrols to act as a reassuring presence in the area.

"The victim in this case is being helped by specially trained officers and being fully supported.

"We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to take sensible precautions when out alone at night; to take a mobile phone with you, always make sure someone else knows where you are going and what time you will be home and avoid isolated locations keeping to well lit areas and where possible take a taxi home."

Anyone who thinks they know the man or has information should call the Serious Sexual Offences Unit on 0161 856 1812.